What should you do if you encounter a victim with a drug overdose?

In the case of a drug overdose, calling 911 immediately is the most crucial step to take. This action ensures that medical professionals are dispatched to the scene as quickly as possible, which is vital because drug overdoses can lead to life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

Timely medical intervention is essential to manage the effects of the overdose, administer appropriate treatment, and provide necessary support to the victim. While waiting for emergency personnel, it's also important to monitor the victim's condition and provide any information that rescuers might need upon arrival. This includes details about the substance consumed, the amount, and the timing, which can all significantly affect treatment.

Other approaches, such as waiting for the person to recover or leaving them alone, can be detrimental and increase the risks associated with the overdose. Providing water to someone who is overdosing is not advised either, as it may complicate their condition depending on the type of overdose. Therefore, alerting emergency services is the first and most effective action to take in such a critical situation.