When should I call 911 during a psychedelic experience?

Call 911 immediately for any of the following: loss of consciousness, seizure, difficulty breathing, very high body temperature (hyperthermia), severe chest pain, suspected serotonin syndrome (fever + rigidity + rapid heart rate + agitation), or any situation where you believe someone's life is at risk. Do not delay calling out of fear of legal consequences — Good Samaritan laws in most US states protect callers from drug possession charges when seeking emergency medical help.

Should I tell paramedics that psychedelics were involved?

Yes, always be honest with emergency services about what substances were taken, how much, and when. Medical staff need this information to provide safe treatment — some medications used in emergencies can dangerously interact with psychedelics. Being honest about substances is protected by medical confidentiality and in most states by Good Samaritan laws when you are calling to get help for someone.

What is the Fireside Project and when should I call them instead of 911?

The Fireside Project (1-623-473-7433) is a free peer support line specifically for psychedelic experiences. Call them when someone is in psychological distress — fear, confusion, paranoia, or an overwhelming experience — but does not have physical symptoms requiring medical care. They provide calm, experienced guidance for both the person in distress and their support people. For any physical emergency, call 911 first.

Can I use physical restraints on someone who is distressed?

No. Physical restraint of someone in a psychedelic state can dramatically worsen their distress, cause injury, and escalate a psychological crisis into a physical one. Remove hazards from the environment, create distance if needed for your own safety, and call 911 if there is genuine violence risk. Trained crisis responders use de-escalation, not restraint, as the primary intervention.

What is the difference between a bad trip and a medical emergency?

A bad trip is a difficult psychological experience — fear, confusion, anxiety, disturbing thoughts or visions. While extremely unpleasant, it is not a medical emergency by itself and typically resolves without medical intervention. A medical emergency involves physical symptoms: loss of consciousness, seizure, abnormal breathing, extremely high body temperature, chest pain, or signs of serotonin syndrome. If you observe physical symptoms, treat it as a medical emergency regardless of the psychological context.

Emergency Procedures

Overdose Response

Recognizing signs of overdose, immediate response steps, and when to seek medical attention.

Bad Trip Emergency

How to help someone experiencing a difficult trip, de-escalation techniques, and emergency protocols.

Medical Emergency

When to call 911, what information to provide, and how to prepare for medical emergencies.

Immediate Actions Checklist

Use this page as a rapid reference. Each linked guide includes stepwise protocols, printable checklists, and wording for emergency services.

Stabilize

Ensure scene safety; remove hazards
Check responsiveness, breathing, pulse; place in recovery position if needed
Do not leave the person alone; stop any further substance use
Gather substance info: type, dose, time taken

Escalate

Call emergency services early for chest pain, seizures, unresponsiveness, or severe agitation
Provide clear address, symptoms, substances, and time stamps
Prepare ID, medication lists, allergies, and medical history if known
Assign one person to guide responders and keep area clear

Overdose steps Difficult trip support Medical call script

🚨 Emergency Contact Card Generator

Create a personalized emergency contact card that you can print and keep with you during psychedelic experiences. This card provides essential information for trip sitters and emergency responders.

Fill Out Your Information

Full Name *

Date of Birth

Blood Type

Emergency Contact Name *

Emergency Contact Phone *

Relationship

Allergies

Current Medications

Medical Conditions

Special Instructions

Your Emergency Contact Card

Review your information below. Print this card and keep it with you.

🚨 EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Psychedelic Experience Safety Card

Personal Information

Name:

Date of Birth:

Blood Type:

Emergency Contact

Name:

Phone:

Relationship:

Medical Information

Allergies:

Medications:

Conditions:

Special Instructions

⚠️ For Emergency Responders

This person has taken psilocybin mushrooms (psychedelic). They may be experiencing altered perception, anxiety, or confusion. This is typically self-limiting. Provide calm reassurance, reduce stimulation, and monitor vital signs. Contact emergency contact listed above.

Date Prepared:

Keep this card accessible during psychedelic experiences.

De-escalation Tips

Calm voice, low lighting, grounding prompts, hydration checks, and reassurance without restraint unless safety demands.

What to Avoid

Do not give other drugs or alcohol, do not drive while impaired, and avoid confrontational language.

Post-Incident

Document timeline, follow up with medical professionals, and arrange integration or mental health support.

FAQ

When do I call 911? If breathing issues, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe confusion/agitation, chest pain, or injuries occur.
Should I mention psychedelics? Yes—be factual about substances and timing to help responders treat effectively.
Can I use restraints? Avoid unless absolutely necessary for immediate safety; prioritize verbal and environmental calming.
What if they refuse help? If capacity is impaired and risk is high, call emergency services; safety overrides.
How to prepare in advance? Keep emergency numbers visible, first-aid kit stocked, and a written protocol accessible.