All drugs have different effects, desired or undesired, as we have seen in our factfile. This means that in an emergency you have to do different things to help the person at risk. If people are tense and panicky - this usually happens with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD or magic mushrooms. It can also happen with amphetamines and ecstasy, and even with high doses of cannabis. The following steps should help: Calm them down and reassure them Talk quietly and explain that the panicky feeling will gradually go Keep them away from bright lights and loud noises Help them if they overbreathe. When someone breathes very quickly and gasps for breath, they often get dizzy and sick If people faint or lose consciousness - depressant drugs such as Alcohol, heroin and tranquillisers tend to cause this reaction. Solvents also cause this reaction as do poppers. It can also happen to people who react badly or overheat on amphetamine or ecstasy. The following steps should help: Put the person in the recovery position Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict their breathing Keep them warm by use of blankets or a coat (but not too warm) Check their breathing. If they are not breathing and you know how, be prepared to do mouth to mouth resuscitation Call an ambulance. Tell the crew exactly what has happened and what you have done. Do not be afraid to tell them what the person has taken. This may save their life. If people overheat and dehydrate - this usually happens when ecstasy or amphetamine has been taken. These drugs raise body temperature and boost energy. If they are taken in a hot place, like clubs, and then people dance for a long period of time, the body overheats and loses too much fluid. Sometimes up to a pint an hour. If this happens it is very dangerous and people can die. Warning signs - cramps in legs, arms and back. Failure to sweat, Headaches and dizziness and vomiting, Suddenly feeling very tired, Feeling like a wee but not doing much when you go, Fainting. How to prevent it: Avoiding ecstasy and amphetamine in the first place Not dancing for long periods of time Taking regular rests and relaxing in a cool area Drinking plenty of water (not alcohol and not too much water - approx 1 pint per hour if dancing) Drinking or eating something that keeps the salt levels in the body up eg - salty snacks, fruit juice, fizzy drinks and sports drinks. Wearing cool clothes and not wearing hats. How to help if someone is overheating: move person to a cool area (outside), splash them with cold water to cool them down, call an ambulance. Tell the ambulance crew what has happened and what you have done.If people are drowsy but conscious, this usually happens with downer drugs like alcohol, tranquillisers and heroin. It can also happen with glue and gas. If People are Drowsy but Conscious: Put the person in the recovery position and keep talking to them. Try to stop them becoming unconscious and don´t put them to bed as they might lose consciousness in their sleep. If they want a drink only give them sips of lukewarm water. DO NOT GIVE THEM BLACK COFFEE. This simply makes the drugs in them work more quickly. Call for medical assistance.