Part 4: 4 Minutes Without Oxygen — A Letter to Those Using Fentanyl, Cocaine, or Anything That Can Steal Your Brain

One Fall Away: A Series on Helmets, E-Bikes & Brain Injuries

Part 4: 4 Minutes Without Oxygen — A Letter to Those Using Fentanyl, Cocaine, or Anything That Can Steal Your Brain

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

📝 If you are someone who uses drugs, or love someone who does, please read this. This isn’t judgment. It’s not shame. It’s care. It’s truth. And it might save a life.

It Only Takes 4 Minutes

Four minutes without oxygen—and your brain begins to die.

First your memory. Then your speech. Then the part that keeps you alive.

If You Use Alone…

If you collapse and no one finds you… you may survive, but never walk, talk, or feed yourself again.

Why I Call Transit Police

Because I’ve seen people passed out on benches—unmoving. And no one stops. But I do. I call Transit Police. Because it could be the difference between life and death—or a lifetime of brain damage.

This Is Not About Shame

I don’t care what you’ve used. I care that you’re still here. That your brain still matters. That your story’s not over—if you protect yourself.

What Can You Do Right Now?

• Never use alone
• Carry Narcan and learn CPR
• Use at supervised sites if possible
• If you see someone down—check on them

Please Think About This

Brain injury doesn’t just hurt you. It changes the lives of everyone around you. Don’t gamble with your brain. Don’t leave your story unfinished.

We’re all one fall away.
Let’s not let silence or stigma be what kills us.