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Thurston County, Washington

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Public Health and Social Services

Get Involved

Get involved in local efforts to prevent and respond to the opioid crisis.

 

Learn More

Visit the resources below to learn more about the opioid crisis. 

 

Explore Data

Visit the data dashboards below to explore opioid data. 

What to do if you witness an opioid overdose:

1

Check for signs of overdose.

  • Won't wake up. Try rubbing your knuckles hard on their sternum. 
  • Slow or no breathing
  • Pale, ashy, cool skin
  • Blue or gray lips or fingernails

2

Call 911.

  • Tell the dispatcher where you are and that someone is not breathing or is unconscious. 
  • Follow directions given by 911 until help arrives. 
  • If you can't stay until 911 help arrives, place the person on their side and where first responders can find them. 

If you are trying to help with an overdose, WA State's 911 Good Samaritan/Overdose Law protects both you and the overdose victim from drug possession charges. Don't be afraid to call 911 for help!

3

Give Naloxone if you have it.

  • If you have Naloxone, give one dose. Naloxone can take 2-3 minutes to work. 
  • If the person is still not breathing after 2-5 minutes, give a second dose of Naloxone. 

In Washington state, anyone who might have or witness an overdose can legally possess and administer naloxone.

4

Encourage individual to get follow-up medical care.

  • If the person wakes up and starting breathing, stay with them. Encourage them to obtain follow-up medical care. 
  • When the Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes, the person could stop breathing again. Encourage the person to be taken to a clinic or emergency room where healthcare staff can:
    • Monitor their breathing.
    • Manage withdrawal symptoms. 
    • Treat any other medical conditions.