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Text on inside cover of pad:

Heroin injectors are about 14 times more likely to die than non-injectors of the same age.
Overdose is the most common cause of death.

We can cut the numbers of people who die by making sure that those most likely to witness an overdose - injecting drug users, their families and friends - know what to do.

They should know how to:

  • Recognise when someone has overdosed and is in danger
  • Be able to put them in the recovery position

and be prepared to:

  • Dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Use the instructions on the tear-off card to practice the recovery position.

Watch out for overdose risks:

  • Mixing drugs
  • Mixing drugs and alcohol
  • Using heroin and methadone when tolerance is low - particularly after a detox or a break in use
  • Injecting heroin and other tranquillising drugs.

Watch out for signs of an overdose:

  • Deep snoring
  • Turning blue
  • Unwakeable
  • Not breathing.

Many people die from an overdose several hours after taking drugs. Especially when they’ve mixed benzodiazepines (like temazepam and valium), alcohol, methadone and heroin.

This is because it takes time for drugs that people have swallowed to get into the bloodstream. So just because someone survives the initial hit, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be OK.

Staying with people who may have used too many drugs, but are not yet showing signs of overdose, could save their life. If they are sleeping, lie them on their side in the recovery position and keep checking them.

If in doubt dial triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance!

Text from card:

IF SOMEONE OVERDOSES
DON'T ASSUME THEY'LL COME ROUND

Don’t panic, put them in the recovery position
Dial triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance
Stay with them until the ambulance arrives

If you don't THEY MAY DIE

IF SOMEONE IS UNCONSCIOUS AND BREATHING
PUT THEM IN THE RECOVERY POSITION

Place the arm furthest from you at right angles to their body.

Take the arm nearest to you and place it across the person’s chest.

Get hold of the near leg, just above the knee, and pull it up, keeping the foot flat on the ground.

Keep hold of the near leg just above the knee, and while supporting the person’s neck and shoulder, roll them away from you, and onto their side.

The person’s face should be pointing towards the ground.

Open their airway by tilting their head back and lifting the chin. This will make sure they can breathe easily.

Make sure that both the hip and the knee of their upper leg are bent at right angles.

DIAL TRIPLE ZERO (000) AND ASK FOR AN AMBULANCE

Stay with them until the ambulance arrives

To see the recovery position

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