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Hacks for Overdose, Overamp, & Medical Emergencies

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In addition to the necessity for policies for service and supply management, community agreements, grievance, and misconduct processes, another essential set of policies harm reduction leaders consistently recommended were protocols for dealing with potential overdose, overamp, and medical emergencies such as heart attack or stroke.

These are rare events, but as community health workers, many harm reduction leaders feel it’s necessary for harm reduction workers to be ready to respond to these kinds of emergencies.

For further guidance on OD and medical emergency protocols please see the section on De-Escalation In the Moment.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Important Terms: Person First Language

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Generally, it’s important to use “person first language” when describing people who are marginalized due to some part of their identity being stigmatized, such as folks struggling with their substance use, people who do sex work, and folks living outside.
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Universal Precautions and Workplace Safety

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Though not all harm reduction organizations or programs are in need of universal precautions or OSHA considerations, most are. It’s important when setting up a harm reduction space to take into consideration the important and real risks of harm reduction work. This includes the potential for entry and exposure to blood-borne pathogens as well as airborne pathogens.
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