In a scheme believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, paramedics in Forth Valley answering 999 calls to drug users who have overdosed are leaving calling cards which automatically enrol them on a lifesaving recovery programme. The user can only opt out by phoning to say they do not wish to be involved with a local drugs service Signpost Recovery.
The Forth Valley Substance Action Team pilot, of which NHS Forth Valley is a partner organisation, began several weeks ago, and is already scoring some success. It's hoped the new approach will help save people's lives by keeping track of people's drug use whilst encouraging them to come forward for treatment with a goal of a drug-free life.
NHS Forth Valley Medical Director Dr Gareth Davies said: "Hundreds of non-fatal overdoses take place every year in Forth Valley. Many are young people who may not fully understand the risks associated with illicit drug use. They are unaware of the dangers of injecting heroin, or taking a combination of heroin and other drugs including alcohol.
"Drug users often die because people who see overdoses often don't do the right things to help and they ignore vital signs such as heavy snoring. They also do not know it is important to place someone in the recovery position. This new referral scheme could be a potential life saver."
Kenny Freeburn, Head of Service, Forth Valley for the Scottish Ambulance Service said:
"By alerting the appropriate services in Forth Valley, support and advice can be provided. One person who died from a drug overdose had been treated by ambulance crews several times in the previous month. Some drug users can feel so depressed they don't care whether they live or die, and this can drive them to overdose. We believe that by referring them to Signpost Recovery we are giving them a second chance."
Drug related deaths in Scotland continue to rise. Forth Valley is not excluded from this worrying trend. Latest figures released by the General Registrar of Scotland show that in 2007 there were 26 such deaths in Forth Valley - an increase of two on the previous year.