Training to help reduce drug related deaths in Inverness

29 July 2009

Training sessions are being run by NHS Highland to teach drug users and their families and friends how to recognise the signs of an overdose, the importance of calling emergency services, and basic life support. They will also be given Naloxone an antidote to opiate drugs, which may be administered if necessary.

Naloxone is a safe medicine which acts as an antidote to opiate drugs,  including heroin.  It has no addiction potential iteself, but if administered as part of emegency response to an overdose, it could help save a life.

A high proportion of overdose events take place in a home setting and are often witnessed by other drug users, or friends and family members.  NHS Highland's aim is to enable these people to:

• identify signs and symptoms of overdose quickly
• call an ambulance and give basic life support
• administer NALOXONE to reverse the toxic effects of heroin

Anyone requiring further information on the Naloxone Pilot Project is asked to contact:

Clinical Harm Reduction Nurse Specialist Lisa Ross on 01463 717594 or

John Glenday, Harm Reduction Co-ordinator on 01463 704813.