D&A staff and students undertake training in life-saving treatment

By the end of this month, more than 100 students and members of staff will have undertaken the training in how to administer Naloxone.

Staff and students at Dundee and Angus College have been undertaking training in a potentially life-saving procedure introduced in response to Scotland’s widespread drug problem.

The college has been working in partnership with Hillcrest Futures to deliver Naloxone training to staff first aiders as well students preparing to work in professions such as nursing, care, uniformed services and social services.

Regarded as a cutting- edge medication in the treatment of substance abuse, naloxone can successfully reverse opioid overdoses in over 90% of cases.

Drug abuse is a growing issue Scotland-wide and the figure for drug-related death is alarmingly high, and Police Scotland announced last week that all officers will now carry the medication routinely.

The college has adopted a pro-active approach in response to this growing social issue by ensuring that all students and members of staff who may be required to deal with drug-related emergencies are prepared to do so.

The progressive training is being delivered by Hillcrest Futures, a long-standing community partner of Dundee and Angus College. Participants are taught the signs and symptoms of an overdose as well as how to administer naloxone in a safe and effective manner.

By the end of this month, it is expected that more than 100 students and members of staff across the college will have completed the training.

Katie Baxter, learner engagement and community partnerships manager, said: “The Hillcrest Futures Drugs & Alcohol Service is such a valued community partner of the college, responding directly to the growing drugs crisis in our local communities.

"We are proud to be part of the ODnotMe campaign, to raise awareness of the tragic number of drug related deaths in Scotland. Equipping our staff, and students as they enter the workforce, is a positive step towards this.”

Danny Kelly, Manager at Hillcrest Futures, added: “The drug crisis is still ongoing, so raising awareness of naloxone is vital to help save lives and lower drug- elated deaths. We’re delighted to partner with the c ollege to provide training to both staff and students to reduce stigma and challenge perceptions of substance use.”