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Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how to handle an emergency. At Genius Recovery, our mission is to help individuals and families facing addiction and other challenges find support, information, and hope. By joining us here, you’re taking an important step in building a safer, more prepared community.

 

Below, you’ll find all the critical information you need to handle life-threatening emergencies, including opioid overdoses and mental health crises. Whether you choose to read the details or watch the video, know that you’re gaining the knowledge that could save a life.

How to Handle an Emergency: Opioid Overdoses and More

Emergencies often come when we least expect them. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can make the difference between life and death. Here’s a guide to help you recognize the signs of an overdose, other medical emergencies, and how to act fast.

Recognizing an Overdose

An opioid overdose can occur when a person takes too much of an opioid, whether it’s a prescription painkiller or an illegal drug like heroin. Key signs include:

  • Unresponsiveness: The person doesn’t wake up when you shake them or shout their name.
  • Slow, shallow, or no breathing: Their breathing may be irregular or stop completely.
  • Blue or gray lips and fingertips: This signals a lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Pinpoint pupils: Their pupils may shrink to a very small size, especially in opioid overdoses.
  • Gurgling or snoring sounds: This could indicate the person is struggling to breathe.

Other Serious Emergencies to Recognize

Beyond overdoses, there are several other types of medical emergencies where immediate action is necessary:

  • Chest pain or pressure: If someone experiences sudden, intense chest pain, especially if it spreads to the arms, back, or jaw, this could be a heart attack.
  • Signs of a stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side), slurred speech, confusion, or a severe headache. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T.—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
  • Difficulty breathing: Wheezing, gurgling, or shortness of breath are signs of respiratory distress.
  • Severe bleeding: Bleeding that won’t stop after applying pressure, or blood spurting, indicates a medical emergency.
  • Seizures: If someone has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or has repeated seizures, call 911.

Steps to Take During an Emergency

Once you’ve recognized an emergency, it’s time to take action:

1. Call 911 immediately

Tell the dispatcher your location and explain the situation clearly.

2. Check for responsiveness

If the person isn’t responding, try shaking them gently and calling their name.

3. Ensure scene safety

Make sure the area is safe for you to help—check for hazards like fire or broken glass.

4. If they are unconscious but breathing, use the recovery position

Roll the person onto their side, bend their leg to stabilize them, and tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.

5. If they aren’t breathing, begin CPR

The 911 dispatcher will guide you through CPR, even if you aren’t trained.

While waiting for help, stay calm, monitor the person’s condition, and provide updates to the dispatcher.

Mental Health Crises: When to Call 988

Mental health crises, like an overdose, require fast action. Call 988 if someone is:

Expressing suicidal thoughts or actions.

Experiencing severe emotional distress or anxiety.

Having a psychotic episode, such as hallucinations or delusions.

Becoming extremely agitated or aggressive.

The trained counselors at 988 can guide you on how to calm the person, ensure their safety, and connect them with the right mental health resources.

911 vs. 988: When to Call Which Number

Call 911 if:

  • The person is unconscious, not breathing, or showing signs of a heart attack or stroke.
  • They are behaving violently or pose a threat to themselves or others.

Call 988 if:

  • The person is in a mental health crisis but not in immediate physical danger.
  • They are experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress but are not attempting to harm themselves at the moment.

In some cases, both services are needed. For example, if someone is overdosing and also threatening self-harm, call 911 first and then reach out to 988 for ongoing mental health support.

Why Being Prepared Matters​

Being prepared for emergencies is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe. Having tools like Narcan nearby and knowing when to call 911 or 988 can make all the difference. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in just a few minutes, giving someone a second chance at life

 

Even if you’re unsure whether the person is overdosing, Narcan is safe to use—it won’t harm someone who hasn’t taken opioids.

Stay Prepared, Stay Connected

Thank you for taking the time to read this important guide or watch the video. We hope this empowers you to act with confidence during an emergency. Saving lives starts with knowledge, preparation, and action.

 

At Genius Recovery, we are committed to providing you with resources, support, and hope for your journey. Check out more of our life-saving content on GeniusRecovery.org and consider becoming a part of our exclusive, private, and safe community by joining our membership program. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against addiction and mental health crises.

You’re Not Alone AND What You Do MATTERS!!

Remember, every small action counts. Whether you’re helping a loved one through recovery or preparing yourself for emergencies, you are part of a larger movement of care and compassion. Explore more resources on GeniusRecovery.org and join our membership to connect with others who share the same commitment to reducing suffering and supporting recovery. Together, we can create lasting change.

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