Portsmouth police and firefighters responded to New Boston just after 4 a.m. for a mutual aid call involving an overdose victim who was not breathing.
When Portsmouth Fire Department medics arrived, they determined the man was deceased.
New Boston Police contacted the coroner to begin an investigation.
No further details were available.
Preventing Overdose Deaths
Overdose calls can turn deadly within minutes, especially when opioids or fentanyl are involved. Anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 immediately.
Signs of a possible overdose can include slow or stopped breathing, blue or gray lips or fingertips, gurgling sounds, inability to wake up, limpness, or loss of consciousness.
Naloxone, often sold under the brand name Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time. It is available as a nasal spray and can be carried by family members, friends, people in recovery, people who use drugs, and anyone who may be in a position to help.
If naloxone is available, give it and call 911. The person may still need emergency care, especially if fentanyl, multiple substances, or long-acting drugs are involved.
People can also reduce the risk by not using alone, avoiding mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances, using fentanyl test strips when available, and making sure someone nearby has naloxone and knows how to use it.
For families, one of the hardest parts is knowing when to step in. If someone has a history of overdose, relapse, or substance use, keeping naloxone in the home can buy precious time until medics arrive.
No one wants to make that call. But calling 911, carrying naloxone, and acting quickly can be the difference between a scare and a death investigation.
