1,000 Naloxone kits delivered by the Scottish Ambulance Service

The Scottish Ambulance Service has reached the impressive target of distributing 1,000 Take Home Naloxone (THN) kits across Scotland, since the launch of a new naloxone training programme in 2021. 

These life-saving kits, which reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, have been distributed by ambulance clinicians to those at risk and their families, and can be used at any future overdose while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. 

A total of 75 per cent of crews have been trained to give THN kits to people at risk of a non-fatal overdose or potential future overdose. THN kits can be provided to any family, friends or service workers who may have to administer naloxone in the future.

The successful roll-out of the training programme to distribute the kits has been led by three Clinical Effectiveness Leads for Drug Harm Reduction, who cover the North, East and West of Scotland, and who have been in the post for a year – since January 2021. They are funded by the Drug Deaths Taskforce, which is an extension of the Scottish Government’s existing Naloxone Programme. 

They have played a vital part in the roll out of the Scottish Ambulance Service’s programme to ensure all ambulance clinicians are trained to supply naloxone kits to anyone likely to witness an overdose.

The Service is also increasing its partnership working with health boards and drug treatment and support services, as engagement with these services is a proven protective factor in reducing drug deaths. With support from partner agencies, pathways from emergency presentation to appropriate care are now available in all health board regions for access to the right care at the right time.

Gary Rutherford, Patient Safety Manager at the Scottish Ambulance Service: “We’re proud to have reached our target of distributing 1,000 naloxone kits in a year. This targeted distribution by ambulance crews is an evidence-based intervention that saves lives by ensuring that Take Home Naloxone gets into the hands of those who need it the most.  

“Over the past year, our three Clinical Effectiveness Leads for Drug Harm Reduction have made a huge difference to drug support within the Service and together we can ensure we’re focused on saving lives and positively improving health and wellbeing across Scotland.”