Emergency responders say too often, people don't make that phone call, out of fear they'll get in trouble with the law.
A proposal at the Statehouse aims to change that, putting the priority on protecting lives instead of prosecution.
In an overdose, a 911 call is essential to getting life-saving medical help.
But a Greenfield woman never dialed 911.
Anna Southgate admits she did a Google search instead, as a teenager lay dying beside her, looking up "what to do if your friend has overdosed" and "the dying process" after 16-year-old Jacob Root shot up heroin-laced fentanyl.
Root didn't make it.
"Police responded of a report of a young man that was not breathing. There was an investigation and as a result of the investigation by Greenfield Police, they brought us evidence which resulted in the charges being filed against Miss Southgate," said Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton.
The 20-year-old pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges of reckless homicide and dealing narcotics for Root's January death.
Sentencing is set for December 17th.
The plea agreement calls for a 12 year sentence, with an eight year cap in jail time. A judge will decide exactly how much time Southgate will serve.
If she had called 911, there may have been a different outcome.
Root might still be alive.
"This crisis, this tragedy, didn't have to happen," said State Sen. Jim Merritt (R).
Merritt just introduced a bill at the Statehouse that would make sure people who do call 911 don't get prosecuted for possession, that panic and fear don't get in the way.
"There could be paraphernalia in your midst and you still have no liability whatsoever," Merritt explained. "What we're trying to do is if you're in a situation where there are drugs involved, there's an overdose, that you call or text 911 and not worry about anything. You are not liable."
Under current Indiana law, you have to not only call 911, but also administer Narcan to get immunity.
Senate Bill 90 would eliminate the Narcan requirement.
Make the call.
Stay on scene.
Save a life.
"We have to look toward health care, not law enforcement and that person now can't be brought back. I'd much rather have that person alive today," Merritt said. "My bill, SB 90 will save lives because there won't be any questions and people will call or text 911."