Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns What you need to know | Chemsex What to do in an emergency | Chemsex Having chemsex can sometimes mean you might need urgent help. This can include losing consciousness, overdosing, drug reactions or interactions, or even having an accident during the session. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Acting quickly, staying calm, and getting the right help is the most important thing. In an emergency don't hesitate to call 999 or 112. When is it an emergency? It’s not always easy to know when someone (or yourself) may need help, especially if you are in the middle of a chemsex session. Here are some of the signs that urgent help might be needed: You should call an ambulance if someone: Is unconscious or cannot be woken up Has trouble breathing, slow breathing, or stops breathing Is having a seizure or fitting Has chest pain or a racing/irregular heartbeat Is overheating (very hot, sweating heavily, or not sweating at all) Is highly confused, paranoid, extremely agitated or violent Has blue or pale lips or skin Has collapsed or cannot stand. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to call for help. What to do while waiting for help If someone becomes unwell during chemsex, there are simple things you can do while waiting for help: Stay calm and assess the situation Check if they are responsive. Try to wake them by calling their name or gently shaking them. Call an ambulance - dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Tell them what’s happening and follow their instructions You don’t need to know exactly what drugs have been taken, but any information you can give will help If they are unconscious but breathing, roll them onto their side to keep their airway clear and prevent choking Stay with them and keep them safe Move any harmful objects out of the way if they are fitting or seizing Put them in the recovery position Here is a guide on how to put someone in the recovery position: What to do if there’s a GHB/GBL overdose GHB/GBL is one of the most commonly used drugs in chemsex and there’s a very small difference between a dose and an overdose, making it an easy and dangerous drug to overdose on. Here are some of the signs of an overdose to look out for: Suddenly falling unconscious Not responding when you try to wake them Slow or irregular breathing, or stopped breathing Snoring or choking sounds (this can mean the airway is blocked) Cold, clammy, or pale skin Vomiting while unconscious Seizure-like movements. Someone can go from being awake to unconscious very quickly, especially if GHB/GBL is mixed with alcohol or other drugs. If you think someone has overdosed on GHB/GBL you should: Try to wake them - call their name and gently shake them. If they don’t respond, treat it as an emergency Call an ambulance Check their breathing Put them in the recovery position If they are unconscious but breathing, roll them onto their side. This helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking Stay close and monitor their breathing. If breathing stops or becomes very slow, tell the emergency operator immediately Stay with them. If you suspect someone has overdosed, there are some important thing you shouldn’t do: Don’t let them sleep it off Don’t give them more drugs Don’t give large amounts of food or drink Don’t leave them on their back Even if they seem to recover, they can slip back into unconsciousness. What happens when you call an ambulance? If you call 999: The operator will ask questions about what’s happening They may give you instructions to follow Paramedics will come to help and provide medical care Be honest about drug use. Medical staff are there to help, not judge. Emergency services prioritise safety as getting help quickly is always the most important thing. Planning ahead While emergencies and accidents can’t always be avoided, there are some small steps that you can take to reduce risk and help keep you safer: Don’t use chems alone Let someone know where you are Agree to check in with each other during sessions Set timers for dosing Don’t let anyone else dose your drugs Know basic first aid and recovery position Keep your phone charged and accessible Avoid mixing drugs, especially if you’re unsure of the effects Never be afraid to call 999. Where can I get support? If you’ve experienced an emergency during chemsex, or are worried about safety, support is available. This might include: Sexual health clinics Drug and alcohol services LGBTQ+ support organisations Mental health services You can also use our Chemsex Support Directory to find services that understand your needs [LINK]. Manage Cookie Preferences