If your child may have used nicotine, alcohol, drugs, or a mix of substances, the most helpful thing you can do is give paramedics clear, specific details fast. Get focused guidance on what information to share right away.
Tell us what you think happened, and we’ll help you organize the key details to share with 911 or paramedics about suspected overdose symptoms, alcohol poisoning, vaping exposure, or mixed substance use.
When a child is unresponsive, vomiting, confused, having trouble breathing, or showing signs of overdose, paramedics need the clearest picture possible. Focus on what was used or suspected, when it may have happened, how much may have been taken, what symptoms you noticed, and any changes in breathing, alertness, or behavior. If you know the product name, strength, or source, share that too. Even partial information helps emergency responders make faster decisions.
Say whether you suspect vaping or nicotine exposure, alcohol poisoning, drug use, or mixed drug and alcohol use. If possible, name the vape product, alcohol type, pills, edibles, powders, or other substances involved.
Share the best estimate of when your child used it and how much they may have taken. If you are unsure, say that clearly and explain what you do know, such as an empty bottle, missing pills, or a recently used vape.
Describe symptoms in plain language: hard to wake up, slowed breathing, blue lips, vomiting, chest pain, shaking, panic, confusion, passing out, or not responding. Mention whether symptoms are getting worse.
Keep vape cartridges, bottles, cans, pill containers, wrappers, or devices nearby so paramedics can see labels, strengths, and ingredients if available.
Tell responders about prescription medicines, allergies, asthma, heart conditions, mental health medications, or anything else that could affect treatment.
Let them know if your child vomited, stopped breathing, had CPR, received naloxone, drank water, took another substance, or was moved. These details can matter.
You do not need perfect answers to call 911. If you only know your child drank too much, may have used a vape, or might have taken drugs, say exactly that. Paramedics would rather hear an honest estimate than have important details left out. If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, seizing, or cannot be safely awakened, call emergency services immediately.
Explain whether it was a nicotine vape, nicotine pouch, e-liquid, or unknown device, and whether your child inhaled it, swallowed liquid, or used a large amount quickly.
Share what they drank, roughly how much, over what time period, and whether they are vomiting, confused, cold, slow to respond, or difficult to wake.
Tell paramedics if you think opioids, pills, cannabis, stimulants, alcohol, or multiple substances were involved. Mixed drug and alcohol use can change how symptoms appear and how urgently treatment is needed.
Give your location, your child’s age, whether they are awake and breathing, what substance may be involved, when it may have been used, and the main symptoms you see. If they are unresponsive or breathing poorly, say that first.
Tell them what you suspect, what evidence you found, when your child was last acting normally, and what symptoms started. Share any containers, messages, witness reports, or missing medications, even if the picture is incomplete.
Say what kind of alcohol they drank, how much they may have had, over what time, whether they also used drugs or vaped, and whether they are vomiting, confused, hard to wake, or having trouble breathing.
Tell them your child is unresponsive, whether they are breathing normally, what drug or substance may be involved, when it may have happened, and whether naloxone, CPR, or rescue breathing has been given.
Explain whether your child inhaled from a vape, swallowed nicotine liquid, or used a large amount. Share the product name or strength if known, and describe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fast heartbeat, shaking, or trouble breathing.
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance on what details to share with paramedics for vaping exposure, alcohol poisoning, suspected overdose, or mixed substance use.
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