How to Create a Family Overdose Emergency Plan for Medications

Every year, over 100,000 people in the U.S. die from drug overdoses. Most of those deaths involve opioids-especially powerful synthetic ones like fentanyl. And here’s the hard truth: overdose doesn’t always happen to strangers. It can happen in your home, to someone you love, in minutes. The difference between life and death often comes down to what happens in the first few minutes before 911 arrives. That’s why having a clear, practiced Family Overdose Emergency Plan isn’t just smart-it’s essential.

Why Your Family Needs This Plan

If someone in your home takes prescription pain medication, even just once a week, you need this plan. The CDC reports that over 51 million U.S. adults received opioid prescriptions in 2022. Many of those are for chronic pain, arthritis, or post-surgery recovery. But opioids don’t just affect people with addiction. They can accidentally be taken in the wrong dose, mixed with alcohol or sleep aids, or become dangerous if tolerance changes. Fentanyl is so strong that even a tiny amount can stop breathing. And when that happens, time is measured in seconds, not minutes.

Studies show that if naloxone-the overdose-reversal drug-is given within 2 to 5 minutes, it works 93% of the time. But most families don’t know how to use it. They wait. They panic. They call 911 and then wait some more. By then, it’s too late. A family plan turns you from a helpless observer into a life-saving first responder.

Step 1: Know the Signs of an Overdose

You can’t respond to something you don’t recognize. An overdose doesn’t always look like someone passed out on the couch. Look for these three key signs:

• Unresponsive: Shake their shoulder hard. Shout their name. If they don’t wake up at all, that’s a red flag.
• Abnormal breathing: Are they breathing less than 12 times a minute? Or are their breaths shallow, gurgling, or silent? This is the most dangerous sign.
• Pinpoint pupils: Shine a light on their eyes. If the black part of the eye looks like tiny dots, it’s a strong indicator of opioid overdose.

Don’t wait for all three. If two are present, act immediately. Fentanyl can cause unconsciousness in under three minutes. Waiting for a third sign could cost a life.

Step 2: Get Naloxone in the House

Naloxone (brand names like Narcan or Kloxxado) is the only medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s safe, non-addictive, and works even if you’re not sure what drug was taken. You don’t need a prescription in 46 states. It’s available over the counter at most pharmacies-CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid-and often for $25 or less with insurance. Some pharmacies give it away free.

Get two or three doses. Fentanyl is so strong that one dose of naloxone might not be enough. The Washington State Department of Health recommends keeping at least two doses on hand. Keep them in a cool, dry place-room temperature is fine. Don’t store them in the bathroom or near sunlight. Check expiration dates every 18 months. Most naloxone lasts 18-24 months, but don’t wait until it expires to replace it.

Step 3: Store It Where Everyone Can Find It

Naloxone doesn’t help if no one can find it in an emergency. Don’t lock it in a medicine cabinet. Don’t hide it under the bed. Pick one spot everyone knows:

• Next to the first aid kit
• On the kitchen counter near the phone
• In a small pouch taped to the fridge

Make sure teens, partners, grandparents, and caregivers know exactly where it is. Practice finding it. Time how long it takes. If it takes more than 15 seconds, move it. In a real emergency, every second counts.

Step 4: Learn How to Use It

There are two main types: nasal spray and injectable. Most families use the nasal spray-it’s easier and safer.

For nasal spray (like Narcan):

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Place the person on their back.
3. Remove the device from its package.
4. Tilt their head back slightly.
5. Insert the nozzle into one nostril.
6. Press the plunger firmly to deliver the full dose.
7. Wait 2-5 minutes. If no response, give a second dose in the other nostril.

Important: Naloxone wears off after 30-90 minutes. Opioids like fentanyl can last longer. That means the person can slip back into overdose. Never leave them alone after giving naloxone. Stay with them until EMS arrives. Keep the second dose ready.

Step 5: Build a Simple Emergency Card

Create a laminated card with:

• Emergency contacts (911, poison control, family doctor)
• Names and doses of all opioids in the home
• Who prescribed them and when
• Location of naloxone kits
• Step-by-step instructions in large print

Keep one card in the wallet, one on the fridge, and one in the car. If you’re not home when it happens, someone else-neighbor, babysitter, paramedic-can use it.

Step 6: Practice the Plan

This isn’t a one-time task. Run a 10-minute drill every month. Gather everyone. Say: “Imagine your sibling is not waking up. What do you do?”

Practice:

• Finding the naloxone
• Calling 911 clearly (“My family member is not breathing. We have naloxone.”)
• Administering the spray on a training kit (many pharmacies give these out for free)
• Putting someone in the recovery position (on their side, one leg bent, head tilted back)

The American Red Cross offers a free 15-minute online course. It’s simple, no sign-up needed. Do it together. People who practice are 47% more likely to act quickly in a real emergency.

What This Plan Won’t Do

This plan is for opioid overdoses. It won’t help with alcohol poisoning, benzodiazepine overdoses, or mixing drugs with antidepressants. If someone overdoses on something else, call 911 anyway. Naloxone won’t hurt them-it just won’t work. But calling for help still saves lives.

Also, this plan doesn’t replace treatment. If someone has a substance use disorder, naloxone is a rescue tool-not a cure. But here’s the good news: 89% of people who survive an overdose with naloxone go on to seek help. That’s the real win.

Common Mistakes Families Make

• Waiting to call 911. Don’t wait to see if they wake up. Call first, then give naloxone.
• Thinking it’s just sleeping. If they’re unresponsive and breathing oddly, it’s not sleep. It’s overdose.
• Using expired naloxone. Test your kit. If it’s been over 18 months, replace it.
• Only one person knows where it is. Everyone in the house must know.
• Not keeping a second dose ready. One dose often isn’t enough for fentanyl.

What to Do After the Emergency

After EMS arrives and the person is stable:

• Stay calm. The person may be confused, angry, or scared. Don’t lecture.
• Ask if they want help. Don’t force it.
• Keep the naloxone kit ready. The risk of another overdose is highest in the first week.
• Consider connecting with a local support group. Many hospitals offer free counseling for families.

Resources You Can Use Today

• Free naloxone: Many pharmacies and health departments give it away. Call your local health office.
• Training: The American Red Cross has a free 15-minute video course online.
• Apps: The “Overdose Guardian” app (released Jan 2024) sends alerts if there’s an overdose in your ZIP code.
• Insurance: Thanks to the 2024 Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D covers naloxone with $0 copay. Private insurers? 41% still charge $25-$50. Ask your pharmacist for the cheapest option.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life. You just need to know what to do-and have the tools ready. A family overdose plan isn’t about fear. It’s about love. It’s about saying, “I won’t let you die because no one knew how to help.”