General Information:
Signs & Symptoms:
Signs of an Overdose:
• Body very limp
• Deep snoring or gurgling (death rattle)
• Show heart beat/pulse
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Not breathing
• No response to stimulation
• No response to sternum rub
Witnessing an overdose?
Immediately call 911
Laws:
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
This Massachusetts Law provides protection from drug possession charges when an overdose victim or an overdose witness seeks medical attention.
What the law will do?
• Protect people from prosecution for possession of controlled substances when calling 911.
• Save lives and give people who use opioids a chance to get help for their addiction.
• Increase the likelihood that witnesses will call 911 during an overdose.
• Provide legal protection for medical professionals who prescribe Narcan, or people who possess and/or administer Narcan to someone appearing to have an opiate overdose.
What the law will NOT do?
• Does NOT interfere with law enforcement securing the scene at an overdose.
• Dose NOT prevent prosecution from drug trafficking.
• Does NOT prevent prosecution for outstanding warrants.
If you are in search of treatment or resources regarding substance use disorder please call/text Tori Cyrus, Substance Use Disorder Program Coordinator out of the Everett Fire Department, at 617-874-0489.