If someone is overdosing, it’s important you act quickly. It only takes 4–6 minutes before the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Check for Responsiveness. Can you wake them up? Shake them, and shout their name. Rub your knuckles on their breastbone, and if this still doesn’t wake them, it’s a medical emergency.

Call 911. If they are unresponsive, call 911 immediately. The sooner you call, the better the chance of recovery. The Good Samaritan law will protect you from drug possession charges if you experience or witness an overdose and call emergency services.

Administer Naloxone. Administering naloxone or Narcan® can sustain a life until first responders arrive. Because overdoses are unexpected, it’s important to carry naloxone as you would an allergy pen for severe allergic reactions.

Give Rescue Breathing. Listen for breathing, and check their airway. Someone who has overdosed needs oxygen. If you can’t hear them breathe or their breath sounds shallow, provide mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Plug the nose, tilt the head back, and give one breath every five seconds. Keep doing this until help arrives.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, is a life-saving medication that can be found at many chain pharmacies without a prescription.