Go Forth Stirling and the city’s Pubwatch team have joined a national campaign which could save the lives of people experiencing a drug overdose.
The organisations are undertaking training which teaches pub managers, business owners and hospitality employees how to use the life-saving medication naloxone in the event of an opiate overdose.
The Naloxone Training session is open to individuals, businesses, community organisations, restaurant and hospitality employees who are interested in learning how to administer the medication to those experiencing a drug overdose. It takes place on Tuesday October 25 in Stirling and will be run by Recovery Scotland.
The training is part of a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness of the signs of a drug overdose and naloxone which can reverse the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, methadone, codeine, morphine and tramadol.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director at Go Forth Stirling, said, “Go Forth, along with Pubwatch members, continue to do all we can to strengthen confidence in Stirling’s evening economy and give people the chance to come into the city centre for an enjoyable and safe night out.
“While we don’t consider that Stirling suffers from a particular drug problem and there have been no events which initiated this, our latest programme is aimed at preparing pub managers and others should a worst-case scenario ever occur in the street, at a licensed premises or in the community.
“We believe it’s beneficial to join the campaign and be ready if the opportunity does arise to save someone’s life.
“It’s an extension of the First Aid training which many Stirling employees and business owners will already have undertaken and it’s an example of licensed premises being prepared in every way possible.
“All Stirling Pubwatch members will be attending the training session and we are keen to open up the opportunity to anyone else from the Stirling community who feels they could benefit from this useful training.”
The training session will be led by Peter Cochrane of Falkirk-based charity Recovery Scotland who can supply a naloxone kit and training on how to use it to anyone in the Forth Valley area who would benefit.
The training also focuses on promoting the role of the wider community in engaging with drug users by using naloxone to reverse life-threatening opiate overdose emergencies until healthcare professionals can intervene.
Mr Cochrane said, “The idea is that by training the wider community, someone may be able to use naloxone if they find a person in an overdose situation and that could make all the difference between life and death.
“Naloxone is straightforward to administer – either by an injectable or nasal format – and we can supply kits to those who want them.
“The training is free and confidential and we would encourage anyone who thinks they may be in a position, through their job or any other reason, to encounter someone who may need this help to come along.”
For more details, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk