A new law that encourages people who witness drug overdoses to call 911 goes into effect Thursday.

The “911 Good Samaritan” law grants immunity from drug possession charges to people who report an overdose.

Sen. Rosa Franklin sponsored the bill, SB 5516,  after a Puyallup teen, Danielle McCarthy overdosed on Ecstasy and died in 2007 after fellow party-goers failed to get medical help for her.

“If it can save a few lives, it’s worth it,” said Don Pierce, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
Immunity is also given to overdose victims, but does not apply to the person who sold or gave the drugs.

In 2008, 794 people died from drug overdose in Washington.

“Drug overdoses are the number one cause of accidental death in Washington, ahead of motor vehicles, falls and firearms,” Attorney General Rob McKenna said in a news release.

The law also expands access to the drug Naloxone to treat overdoses. Symptoms of a drug overdose include skin turning blue at the fingertips or lips, inability to wake up, very slow breathing, confusion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and chest pain.