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|] Harm Minimisation
If you choose to use drugs please read the advice below, it could help you keep safe. Remember to just use the advice mentioned below as guidance only.

The main causes of overdose are: taking any drug, mixing drugs with alcohol and/or using opiates (for example heroin) when your tolerance is low.

If someone is unconcious Dial 999. Tell them you’ve found someone unconscious and explain what has happened when the ambulance arrives. If someone has overdosed, put them in the recovery position if you know how to and keep watching them. You need to know if they are asleep or unconscious – try shouting or pinching their ear. Stay with them until the ambulance arrives.

Harm minimisation advice

• Avoid regular use
• Don't use banknotes, these could be contaminated with blood which increases risk of transmitting Hepatitis C
• Don't inject
• Seek out specialised help
• If someone has taken a lethal dose of drugs, there is nothing you can do to wake them up – call 999 for an ambulance.

Myths

If someone has overdosed or is unconcious call 999 and ask for an ambulance. None of these myths mentioned below will work when someone has overdosed, do not do anything mentioned below it might make the situation worse.

• Walking people round helps
• Putting people in a cold bath wakes them up
• Slapping someone can bring them round
• Injecting someone with salt water is an antidote.