Overdose prevention
Preventing overdoses on campus
BC is facing a toxic drug crisis that has killed or harmed thousands of people. Given the risk, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of an overdose and be ready to help others in distress.
Responding to a possible overdose
Step 1: Call 911 immediately
Step 2: Follow the SAVE-ME protocol and give naloxone
Step 3: Call campus first aid — or alert the nearest college employee
Know the signs of an overdose
Take note of these common symptoms and let the 911 operator know if you notice any of the following:
- Unresponsive behavior and no movement
- Slow shallow breaths or no breaths
- No heartbeat or a very slow heartbeat
- Signs of choking, gurgling or snoring
- Cold or clammy skin
- Blue or grey lips and fingernails
- Tiny pupils
Useful resources
If you are using drugs, follow the tips below to reduce your risk of an overdose.
- Don’t use alone
- Avoid mixing substances
- Know what you’re using and the expected effects
- Go slowly and pace yourself
- Learn to recognize and respond to an overdose
- Carry naloxone and know how to use it
Before using, we recommend testing your drugs to make sure they are as safe as possible. Check Island Health’s drug checking services for the nearest testing location.
A resource for safe injection sites, overdose support groups, naloxone training, toxic drug alerts and more.
Free mental health and substance use information.
An overview of harm reduction services in BC.
Finding naloxone on campus
NARCAN kits — including nasal naloxone and CPR (breathing) maskes — are located next to AED cabinets. You can find them in every NIC building, on every campus.
Naloxone training
Learn more about harm reduction and how to use naloxone.
SAVE-ME explained
After calling 911, follow SAVE-ME to assist someone in distress.
Stimulate
Try to wake the person by calling their name, squeezing their fingertips and pinching the muscle between their neck and shoulder.
Airway check
See if they are breathing normally and check for a pulse. Make sure their airway is clear and remove anything from their mouth. Tilt their head back and open their mouth if it is shut.
Ventilate
Once every five seconds, help them breathe by pinching their nose closed and breathing into their mouth with a breathing mask.
Evaluate
If they are not breathing normally (one breath every five seconds), get ready to administer NARCAN (naloxone).
Medication
Prepare a one-millilitre (1 ml) dose of naloxone, following the steps on the kit. If you aren’t trained in using naloxone, follow instructions from 911.
Evaluate again
If the person is still not breathing normally, give them another dose of naloxone, repeating every three to four minutes. Continue to monitor their airway, breathing and circulation. Deliver CPR until first responders or a first aid provider arrives.
Contact on-campus first aid
Campbell River campus
250-897-8811
Comox Valley campus
250-202-5941
Port Alberni campus
250-753-0626
