How do we respond to a drug overdose?

As part of the response to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland, in 2019 the Service have launched their Take Home Naloxone programme. This means that crews can issue a Take Home Naloxone kit along with appropriate training to anyone identified as at risk of an opiate overdose and to anyone likely to witness an overdose in the future, such as friends, family or service workers.  

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid drugs include morphine, methadone and heroin and are often taken in combination with other substances such as benzodiazapines and cocaine.  

The administration of naloxone is encouraged and safe to use in any overdose situation regardless of what drugs have are known to have been consumed.