Ottawa residents are increasingly likely to find themselves in a situation where someone nearby may be experiencing a drug overdose — and knowing how to respond quickly can mean the difference between life and death.
With the opioid crisis continuing to affect communities across the city, local addiction services workers are urging Ottawans to familiarize themselves with the signs of an overdose and the steps to take in those critical first moments.
Recognizing the Signs
An overdose doesn't always look like what you might expect. Common signs include:
- Unresponsiveness — the person won't wake up even if you shake them or shout their name
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing — fewer than one breath every five seconds is a serious warning sign
- Blue or grayish lips or fingertips — a sign of oxygen deprivation
- Gurgling or choking sounds — sometimes called the "death rattle"
- Pinpoint pupils — very small pupils, even in low light, are a classic opioid overdose indicator
If you notice any combination of these, act immediately. Don't wait to be certain.
Step 1: Call 911 Right Away
Your first move should always be to call 911. Ottawa's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from simple drug possession charges if you call for help during an overdose — for yourself or someone else. Don't let fear of police keep you from making that call.
When you call, tell the dispatcher the person is unresponsive and you suspect an overdose. Give your exact location as clearly as possible.
Step 2: Administer Naloxone If You Have It
Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It's available for free at many Ottawa pharmacies, community health centres, and harm reduction sites — no prescription needed.
If you have a naloxone kit:
- Lay the person on their back
- Tilt their head back to open the airway
- Administer the naloxone according to the kit instructions (nasal spray or injection)
- Begin rescue breathing if the person isn't breathing
- Wait two to three minutes — if there's no response, give a second dose if available
Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes, which is why calling 911 is still essential even if the person appears to wake up.
Step 3: Recovery Position
If the person is breathing but unconscious, roll them onto their side in the recovery position. This prevents them from choking if they vomit — a common occurrence during an overdose. Stay with them until paramedics arrive.
Step 4: Stay Calm and Stay Put
It can feel overwhelming, but try to stay calm. Addiction services workers emphasize that one person choosing to act — rather than walk past — is what saves lives. You don't need to be a medical professional to help. You just need to act.
Where to Get a Free Naloxone Kit in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health and community organizations across the city distribute free naloxone kits. You can pick one up at most major pharmacies, the Ottawa Inner City Health clinic, the Shepherds of Good Hope, and Somerset West Community Health Centre, among others.
If you want to be prepared, getting a kit and learning how to use it takes about 15 minutes — and it's one of the most practical things you can do as an Ottawa resident.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. For more information on Ottawa's harm reduction services, contact Ottawa Public Health.
