International Overdose Awareness Day calls for remembrance
International Overdose Awareness Day is coming up on 31 August, offering a chance for everyone to know about first aid for overdose.
It aims to remember those who have died from overdoses and to acknowledge the grief of those affected.
The day is a good opportunity to learn about first aid for overdose, should you ever need to use those skills. We’ll cover emergency first aid for overdose in our post and take a closer look at the significance of the day.
About International Overdose Awareness Day in Australia
Here in Australia, there are lots of events going on to mark the day, from webinars to community events and candlelit vigils. You can find out if there’s an event near you on the dedicated International Overdose Awareness Day website.
If you’re looking for International Overdose Awareness Day ideas, here are some things you can do:
- Hold an event or activity in your community, no matter how big or small. This could be a fundraiser, such as a sponsored run or a simple coffee morning held at your home. Or you may wish to hold a vigil to remember someone important to you or an educational event to spread the word about overdose issues.
- Post a tribute. You can add your tribute to someone who has died from or been affected by overdose on the International Overdose Awareness Day website or on your social media accounts.
- Show your support. You can wear a badge, wristband or lanyard to show your support of the day.
- Get social by engaging with the International Overdose Awareness Day community on their channels, using the hashtags #OverdoseAware or #EndOverdose.
- Subscribe to the campaign newsletter for news, advice and resources.
- You can also donate to the campaign — every dollar counts.
First aid for overdose
Another important part of the day is using it as a chance to learn about first aid for overdose.
An overdose is when someone consumes alcohol, medication, illegal drugs and certain herbal remedies in quantities that are harmful.
If you take more than one of these types of substances at once or you are not used to what you have taken, your risk of overdose increases.
If you think someone has taken an overdose, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms will vary according to which substance has been ingested. Some typical overdose symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Erratic or slow pulse
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Being unresponsive while awake
- Loss of consciousness
What to do if you think someone has taken an overdose
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance straight away. You will be transferred to an operator and asked for information such as your location, details of what has happened, whether the patient is conscious or breathing and what substance they have taken. The operator will give you advice on what you should do while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
- It is likely that they will tell you to put the patient on their side in the recovery position. Keep their airway open by tilting their head back and lifting their chin if they are unconscious but still breathing.
- You will need to keep checking the patient’s breathing and monitoring them until the paramedics arrive.
- Do not try to make the patient vomit.
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
- Keep any medication containers and give them to the paramedics when they arrive.
Preventing overdose
It’s good to know that there are things you can do to reduce the risk of overdose in your household:
- Take medication only as directed by your doctor.
- Read labels and patient information leaflets carefully.
- Keep medication in its original packaging.
- Do not keep out-of-date medication — you can return it to your local pharmacy.
- Avoid illegal drugs. If you do take them, understand the issues around them — you can do this on the Drug Advisory Council of Australia website.
- Keep all medication, alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances out of the reach of children.
Your knowledge could help save a life
International Overdose Awareness Day is designed to end overdose for good. It’s a golden opportunity to understand more about the issues around overdose and know what to do if you think someone is affected.
At MediBC, we believe in helping prepare you for all kinds of health issues, large and small. Check out our range of first aid kits and refills for use at home or on the move.
For peace of mind, keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy to help you deal with everyday first aid.
And for emergencies like an overdose, make sure you know what to do and who to call for help — your knowledge could help save a life.
Family First Aid Essentials
Family first aid kits, AEDs, and CPR aids to support someone in an emergency until help arrives.
