YOUNG PEOPLE - FIRST AID

Different people react to different drugs in different ways. There is no way of knowing exactly what is in a drug before you take it. This means that there is always a risk when taking any drug. Mixing different types of drugs, and mixing drugs with alcohol can also increase the risks. If things go wrong with drugs, or alcohol, it’s important to know what to in an emergency.

If you are with someone who has taken a drug and things go wrong, it’s natural to feel scared. It’s important to try not to panic. Stay calm and try to remember that the person’s health and safety are the most important things.

Cannabis, Cocaine/Crack, Ecstasy, LSD, Magic Mushrooms and Speed can make people tense and panicky.

If this happens you should:

• Calm them down and let them know that the way they feel will soon pass
• Tell them to breathe deeply and slowly
• Try and get them to sit somewhere quiet without any bright lights

Heroin, ketamine, tranquillisers and solvents can make people feel very sleepy.

If this happens:

•Try and keep them awake by talking to them slowly and quietly so they you don’t panic or startle them
• Do not give them coffee or alcohol

With any drug, including alcohol, if a person is unconscious you should put them into the recovery position. You can do this by putting the back of the hand furthest away from you against the cheek nearest you, lift the furthest knee from you so that the foot slides up. This will then give you a lever to then roll the person towards you. You then need to extend the top leg and arm out to stop them rolling back. Call 999 at the earliest opportunity.

Click here for diagrams on how to get someone into the recovery position.

Serious problems

If you see any of the following when someone has taken the listed drugs get medical help immediately

Cocaine: if they are confused and dizzy with a dry throat. Their breathing will be erratic with short gulps followed by deep gulps

Speed: if they have collapsed

Ecstasy: look out for hyperventilation, overheating and unconsciousness
Heroin: the telltale signs are slow erratic breathing, tiny pupils, and semi- consciousness with little or no response. Lips and skin can turn a deathly shade of blue with blood pressure falling. Coma and death can follow.

Poppers: if someone has collapsed. Poppers are poisonous if swallowed

GHB: look out for convulsions, inability to breathe and even a coma

Ketamine: temporary and sometimes near total paralysis, nausea, vomiting and heavy slurring of speech

Magic mushrooms: the risk is from people eating the wrong type resulting in poisoning. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, breathing difficulties and black outs

Rohypnol and other ‘date rape’ drugs: slurring, sleepiness, near paralysis.

What to do if somebody overdoses?

Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin CPR at once. If the victim is unconscious but breathing, carefully place him or her in the recovery position. If the victim is conscious, loosen the clothing, keep the person warm, and provide reassurance. Try to keep the person calm. If an overdose is suspected, try to prevent the victim from taking more drugs. Call for immediate medical assistance

Treat the victim for signs of shock, if necessary. Signs include: weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, clammy skin, paleness, and decreasing alertness

If the victim is having convulsions, give convulsion first aid
Keep monitoring the victim's vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) until emergency medical help arrives.
If possible, try to determine which drug(s) were taken and when. Save any available pill bottles or other drug containers. Provide this information to paramedics.
However:
• DO NOT jeopardize your own safety. Some drugs can cause violent and unpredictable behaviour. Call for professional assistance.
• DO NOT try to reason with someone who is on drugs. Do not expect them to behave reasonably.
• DO NOT offer your opinions when giving help. You don't need to know why drugs were taken in order to give effective first aid.