Using fentanyl? Heroin? Other opiates? Know anybody who does? Then you should know about Washington State's new "911 Good Samaritan Law," aka RCW 69.50.315, which states: "A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance... if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance."

Translation: If you have a friend who is overdosing, you can—and should!—call 911 without worrying about being busted for drug possession. The sooner you call for help, the more likely your friend will live, and there's no reason not to call immediately—you have immunity for that dope in your pocket. Thank your local drug-policy activists and your state's enlightened representatives for that. Electing good people means getting good laws in return.

While you're at it, you might want to brush up on your artificial respiration skills (opiate overdoses are usually a simple case of the victim's lungs going to sleep). If someone stops breathing, tilt their head back, clear the airway, pinch the nose, and give your friend one deep breath every five seconds until help arrives. recommended

For more information about Washington's 911 Good Samaritan Law and overdoses in general, visit stopoverdose.org.