In an Emergency

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Follow the operator’s instructions.

When the ambulance arrives tell the ambulance crew what the person has taken. It will help to be honest because the crew may be carrying drugs to treat an overdose.

Drug users who overdose are frequently discovered in the company of other users at the time of the overdose. It is essential to get medical help as soon as possible in order to prevent fatalities. This is particularly important in terms of opiate overdose as time is of the essence when seeking to reverse the effects of such an overdose with Naloxone.

Often people are frightened that the police will be informed and may be deterred from contacting emergency services or informing staff drugs have been involved. They may call for help, they may spend time clearing up illegal drugs and other paraphernalia, thereby increasing the risks to the person who has overdosed, or they may call and leave the person or just not call at all. It is primarily for this reason that in Essex there is an agreement with Essex Police, Essex Ambulance Service and the Essex Drug & Alcohol Action Team that the ambulance service will not call the Police in respect of reported drug overdoses unless:

• There is a death at the scene or at anytime whilst in care of the ambulance service.
• There is evidence of harm arising to children or other vulnerable persons.
• The ambulance crew are at risk as a result of a potential violent situation.
• A victim at the incident reports a crime.

The police control rooms will assess the information provided from any telephone call relating to drug overdose. Where it seems that an initial response by the Ambulance Service is appropriate they will contact the Ambulance Service to provide initial attendance unless the caller specifically requests attendance by the police.

Emergency service control room staff will carry out more detailed questioning of all callers where a drug related incident is reported to assess whether it is relevant for ambulance attendance rather than initial or joint police attendance.

Remember the Recovery Position is easy to learn and can save lives.