What to do in a G emergency
Overdosing on G is easy to do and the effects often come without warning. These can include losing consciousness/coma (G-sleep), breathing difficulties, fits and seizures and even death.
If a person is drowsy or falling in and out of sleep on G, what should I do?
Do
Keep them awake – most deaths occur while people are in a G-sleep so keep them awake and observed.
Keep them safe and calm – moving them away from spaces and objects that might cause harm. Fits and seizures may result in injury.
Be mindful around consent – when someone is losing consciousness and ‘G-ing out’, they lose the ability to consent. You should stop any sexual activity, filming or taking pictures.
Call emergency services – if someone on G is moving and responsive and their breathing is OK (more than 8 breaths per minute), it may not be necessary to call an ambulance. If they are having a seizure or they are behaving in a way that is unsafe call 999. When emergency services arrive, tell them what drugs have been taken, how much and when. If in doubt it is best to call 999.
Don’t
Leave them alone - G emergency can rapidly get worse. Closely observe their breathing.
Give them liquids – this might accelerate the movement of drugs from the stomach into the blood stream. However, if they say they are thirsty, give them water.
Give them more drugs – some people falsely believe that a stimulant (crystal meth, cocaine or mephedrone) can stop someone ‘G-ing out’. Avoid doing this as it adds to the toxicity that caused the problem in the first place.
Induce vomiting – forcing someone to vomit can block their airways. Vomiting can be a helpful thing only when the body does it naturally (and that should never be prevented).
If a person cannot be woken or is unconscious on G, what should I do?
Do
Try to wake them – firmly shake them or squeeze their trapezius muscle (muscle in the shoulder).
Call emergency services – if they are still unresponsive, call 999. Explain what the person has ingested.
If breathing, place them into the recovery position – follow the NHS guidance or watch the step-by-step guide.
If not breathing, perform CPR – follow the NHS guidance or watch the step-by-step guide.
Tell the paramedics what drugs have been taken – it’s really important to tell them what drugs have been taken, the quantity and how recently, if you know.