Would you know how to reverse a drug overdose using naloxone? Here’s how it works, and where you can be trained up to save a life in Aberdeen.
A raft of events are taking place throughout the city on Wednesday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
Naloxone saves an average of almost one life every week in the north-east by reversing overdoses from opiates like heroin, codeine and oxycodone.
Last year drug-related deaths in Aberdeen rose to their highest on record, prompting calls for more people to get trained up to help.
How to recognise an opioid overdose
Opioids relax the body, slowing down someone’s breathing – if it stops, it can inflict brain damage or kill them.
If you think someone’s taken an overdose, look for these signs:
- Loss of consciousness and unresponsive – or awake but unable to talk
- Slow or erratic breathing
- A pale or clammy face
- Blue or grey skin and lips
- Limp arms and legs
- Unusual snoring, choking or gargling sounds
If it’s safe to approach, try to get a response by shaking them, shouting or rubbing your knuckles on their sternum.
Place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing.
What is naloxone? Should I use it?
At this point, any naloxone kit available should be used to help reverse the overdose while help is on the way.
While it can cause some side effects in certain situations, health bosses say the benefits vastly outweigh the risks.
It won’t work on non-opioid overdoses, but it also won’t have any other effects. You also won’t be prosecuted for using it.
Gillian Maclean, a senior practitioner at north-east charity Alcohol & Drugs Action, is in charge of the Aberdeen’s naloxone roll-out.
“We want to see it as part of everyday first aid,” she said.
“Training takes five to 10 minutes and there are no barriers – male, female, health problems, if you’re pregnant.
“In any situation, anyone can administer it.”
How do I use naloxone?
If you’re giving an injection, hold it like a pen and give one dose in their upper arm or outer thigh.
For the nasal spray, insert it into one nostril and press on the plunger until it clicks.
Wait with the person until an ambulance arrives.
Where can I get a naloxone kit – and who is offering training in Aberdeen?
Naloxone is available at many pharmacies and alcohol and drug partnerships.
Kits can be collected from ADA’s base at 7 Hadden Street, Aberdeen, or delivered to your home.
To mark International Overdose Awareness Day, a range of sessions will be held in the city covering naloxone training and blood-borne virus testing.
- Tillydrone Hub, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm
- Nescol city centre, 12-2pm
- Nescol Altens, 12-1pm
- Marischal College 12-2pm
- Kincorth Community Centre, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm
- Timmermarket Clinic, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm
For more information visit alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk or call their team freephone on 0333 3 448 355.
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