Last Wednesday, 16th October, Glasgow Central railway station was the site of an overdose prevention event, where more than 180 naloxone kits were distributed to the public.
Organised by a coalition of other agencies – including Scottish Drugs Forum, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs, Turning Point Scotland, Simon Community Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the Scottish Recovery Consortium –the event’s purpose was to equip the public with life-saving training and naloxone. Attendees learned how to recognise the signs of overdose and safely administer naloxone in emergency situations.
Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered promptly, greatly improving a person’s chances of survival. This is a crucial part of the response to Scotland’s public health crisis which results in the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe.
“Naloxone, a safe and easy to use medication, is saving lives in Scotland – it is important that people who may witness an overdose have naloxone and know how to respond,” said Wez Steele, SDF’s Training and Development Officer. “Giving someone having an overdose naloxone quickly helps to restore and maintain breathing before the ambulance arrives. This improves survival rates and the chances that someone will make a full recovery,” Steele added.
The public’s response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. People from all walks of life—including individuals who use drugs, their families, and concerned community members — engaged in the short training sessions. “Our experience shows that people care and want to help prevent drug deaths, engaging with the brief training and learning the simple steps to take in order to help someone who may be in an overdose,” said Steele. In just a few minutes, participants left with naloxone kits and the knowledge to act if they encounter someone experiencing an overdose.
This event demonstrated the power of collaboration, with multiple organisations working together to distribute naloxone and raise awareness. “It is encouraging to see agencies working together to create opportunities for members of the public – anyone who may witness an overdose – be prepared to help,” Steele remarked.
Follow #StopTheDeaths for updates on future naloxone training and distribution events.
24 October 2024