31st August marks International Overdose Awareness day

 

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnerships will be raising awareness on social media of how to recognise and respond to overdose symptoms to save lives.

 

The most recent information available showed that 1187 people in Scotland lost their lives to overdose in 2018.  This has more than doubled over the last 10 years.  92 people in Grampian lost their lives. The majority were 35 years and older who had suffered many years of harm and disadvantage as a result of drug use.

Chris Littlejohn, Deputy Director of Public Health at NHS Grampian: "Knowing what an overdose looks like saves lives. Time is critical if you suspect someone has had an overdose. We are raising awareness of the key signs of an overdose and underlining the importance of getting medical attention quickly. This year we are having a particular focus on snoring.  This is one symptom of overdose which is often missed when it should prompt action. Learn the signs. Learn how to use naloxone. Call an ambulance. Do these things and save a life."

 

Naloxone is a lifesaving drug which can buy time for an ambulance to arrive by reversing the effects of opioid overdose.  It can be given by anyone to save a life. 

 

In the last year over 1000 naloxone kits have been supplied in Grampian.  140 of these were reported to be used by individuals in the community. That's 140 deaths that may have been prevented by this life saving drug but sadly not enough.

 

Naloxone is widely available in Grampian from treatment services.  For people who are not in contact with treatment services it is also available from a growing number of community pharmacies and services such as ADA, Arrows and TPS.  ADA have a Freephone helpline 0333 3 448 355 to put you in touch with your nearest supplier and for wider support if you are concerned about your own, or someone else's drug or alcohol use."

 

Ian McKinnon, Inspector, Partnerships & Local Authority Liaison, Northeast Division, Police Scotland said: "As Police we see the tragedy around overdose and the impact on families, but sometimes we are luckier.  On one recent incident officers were at an address for an unrelated call, but during conversation found out that a resident in the address had been sleeping for almost 20 hours. They saw this person was breathing really slowly and snoring loudly, and couldn't be woken.  Thankfully, the officer had good overdose awareness, knew the signs, and called the ambulance immediately.  Things worked out well on this occasion, but they'd come really close to losing their friend. It's for this reason we're fully supporting Overdose Awareness Day.

 

 If you know someone or work with people who takes drugs, read up about overdose, ask any questions you might have, and don't be afraid or concerned about calling for help if you think it's happening - if you're not sure it's an overdose, then you ARE sure. "

 

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Key Overdose Symptoms 

1. No response when you call their name or shake them
2. Skin looks pale or grey
3. Pupils will be tiny like pin points
4. Breathing may be slow, it might sound like they are snoring. Do not leave them to sleep if  off

How to Respond 

1. Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance
2. Give Naloxone
3. Start Basic Life Support - If unconscious and not breathing

The Alcohol and Drug Partnerships lead and coordinate a whole-system approach to better plan, deliver and improve services for those affected by alcohol and drugs, and to monitor the effectiveness of approaches to reducing risk and harm.  The ADP brings together a range of stakeholders including representatives from a range of local strategic partnerships, statutory and voluntary sector organisations, as well as community members and people with lived experience.