When do you need an emergency call because of cannabis?

Call the emergency number 112 immediately if a person who has consumed cannabis is unresponsive, is not breathing properly, has a seizure or no longer has a palpable pulse. Mindzone writes: when in doubt, always call an emergency doctor straight away and stay until they arrive. The site describes drug emergencies in general, including those involving cannabis, and some advice applies mainly to other substances. This article sets out the most important warning signs, explains the first steps until help arrives and names where you can find support afterwards.

When to call 112 straight away

The site mindzone names, among others, these situations in which the emergency call is needed at once:

• Respiratory arrest: the lips turn purple, and no airflow can be felt any more.
• Unconsciousness: the person does not respond when spoken to or to a firm pinch on the ear.
• Seizure: the muscles contract, the eyes roll upwards, and the person suddenly falls. After the seizure, call 112, because further seizures can follow.
• Cardiac arrest: no pulse can be felt at the wrist or on the side of the neck.

If you say “respiratory arrest” or “unconsciousness” on the phone, according to mindzone an ambulance with an emergency doctor is sent as quickly as possible.

Warning signs that appear early

Not every emergency begins with unconsciousness. Mindzone describes circulatory problems with pallor, sudden sweating and a barely perceptible pulse, accompanied by nausea, dizziness and weakness. The site names overheating (red, hot head, very warm skin, rapid pulse) mainly in connection with ecstasy and amphetamines. According to mindzone, anxiety and perception disturbances (“bad trip”) can also be triggered by cannabis and can occur even without an overdose.

The article When is professional help for cannabis use advisable? helps you judge when counselling becomes important beyond the emergency itself.

What to do until help arrives

Call other people for help and stay with the person. Stay calm and talk to the person. Ask what and how much was consumed, and secure any leftover substance without taking it yourself. Also find out whether there are existing illnesses, and pass this information on to the emergency services.

• If the person is unconscious: check breathing and pulse. If both are working, place the person in the stable side position, call the emergency services (112) and keep them warm.
• If the person is overheated: sit them down, provide fresh, cool air and give water, but no alcohol. Monitor pulse and breathing. If there is no improvement, call the emergency services.
• If there are circulation problems: take the person into fresh air, lay them down and raise their legs. If their condition does not improve, get medical help.
• If there is panic or an unpleasant intoxication: bring the person to a quiet place with fresh air, stay physically close, reassure them in a calm voice and tell them that the state is caused by the drug and will pass. Mindzone recommends warm drinks such as tea or water, but no coffee. Stay with the person at all times.

The site stresses that these tips do not replace a first aid course. Anyone who expects to deal with emergencies more often should attend such a course.

When there is no breathing

Mindzone names the ABC rule: clear the airway, give rescue breaths (mouth-to-nose or mouth-to-mouth, tilting the head back) and, in the case of cardiac arrest, stimulate the heart and circulation with chest compressions. On the phone, follow the instructions of the emergency control centre.

Keeping the heart in view

Drugcom describes how cannabis can place a potentially life-threatening overload on the cardiovascular system in people with pre-existing conditions. If you have heart problems yourself or know of a pre-existing condition, discuss this with a doctor in advance. More on this is in the article Does cannabis affect the heart and circulation?.

When it is not an emergency but a worry remains

Not every worrying situation is an emergency. If the condition is stable but you are worried, a conversation helps. You can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily 8 a.m. to midnight). A counselling service can help you assess how things continue. The article How do I find addiction counselling near me? shows how to find a service.

Prevention: preventing emergencies

The DHS counts cannabis, together with nicotine, ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth and hallucinogens, among dangerous mixtures. According to the DHS, for people with pre-existing heart conditions the situation can worsen in individual cases.

What you can do now

1. Save 112 as the emergency number and remember the warning signs.
2. Stay with a person in distress until help arrives. Mindzone adds that doctors, emergency physicians and paramedics are bound by confidentiality, and that you can say openly on site what was consumed.
3. Clarify pre-existing conditions with a doctor.
4. After an emergency, look for a counselling service if your use is weighing on you.

For questions outside an emergency, you can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily 8 a.m. to midnight).