Young people urged to call 999 in drug-related emergency by Scottish Ambulance Service

Young people are being encouraged to overcome fears of repercussions and call 999 in a drug-related emergency.

The Scottish Ambulance Service is rolling out the awareness campaign as drug-related incidents increase with the summer and festival season.

The initiative, which is being expanded after a successful pilot scheme, aims to educate and support young people who may avoid or delay phoning for an ambulance when they or their friends experience a drug-related emergency due to perceived fear of repercussions.

It also covers what an emergency situation may look like and what to look out for.

The TRUST Initiative advocates to: Take it Seriously, Ring 999, Use first aid skills, Stay with them, Tell us what they’ve taken.

The pilot scheme ran in some Fife and Glasgow secondary schools and will now expand across Scotland.

Young people will have the chance to hear from emergency staff first hand about their roles.

Kira Watson, clinical effectiveness lead for Drug Harm Reduction – East, said: “The TRUST initiative has been designed to show young people that the Scottish Ambulance Service is here to help them.

“As summer holidays and festival season continue, drug related incidents increase, and we want to make sure young people aren’t afraid to quickly seek help when they or their friends need it. Once they have received treatment, we can also make the appropriate referrals for on-going support, information and advice.”

Christina McKelvie, minister for drugs and alcohol policy, said: “I welcome the expansion of the TRUST initiative, which can save lives by supporting and educating young people involved in a drugs emergency.

“Through our £250m National Mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including supporting the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot, widening access to Naloxone and delivering drug-checking facilities which will enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends.”

For more information or to ask about TRUST at your local school or community space email sas.drug-harm@nhs.scot