- Minister marks International Overdose Awareness Day.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister has praised the Scottish
Ambulance Service's successful Take Home Naloxone (THN)
programme, which has now issued more than 4,000 kits.
On a visit to Springburn Ambulance Station in Glasgow to mark
International Overdose Awareness Day, Ms Todd was trained to use
naloxone kits which temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid
overdose.
The packs are given out to people at risk and their families who
can use them to deal with any future overdose while they wait for
the ambulance to arrive.
Since Scotland's National Naloxone Programme began in 2011, up to
December 2024, a total of 205,650 take-home naloxone kits have
been issued.
Ms Todd said:
“Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone
who has lost a loved one, on a day where we remember them.
“The work done by the Scottish Ambulance Service and other
partners has been instrumental in saving lives, especially at a
time when naloxone has become even more important. I am a
grateful for the hard work of all the staff who provide this
vital frontline service. I was very pleased to hear about the
continued progress in delivery and to be shown how to use the
naloxone kits.
“Due to the presence of an increasingly unpredictable drug supply
of highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which raise
the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, I would urge
anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with
them so repeat doses can be given if required.
“I am determined to do even more to tackle the harm caused by
drugs. That's why we are providing record levels of funding for
drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to
treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.
We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK's first
Safer Drug Consumption Facility, and are working at pace to
deliver drug-checking facilities.”
All SAS crews have been trained in in distributing naloxone since
2023, following the launch of its training programme in 2021. As
well as treating people for the effects of overdose themselves,
and handing out the take-home kits, crews are providing a vital
link to support and treatment.
Scottish Ambulance Service CEO Michael Dickson said:
“Our staff respond with care and compassion to anyone who
experiences an overdose.
“Our call handlers can offer advice during the 999 call, and our
ambulance clinicians provide crucial treatment when they arrive
at the scene. Ambulance crews are able to supply Take Home
Naloxone, are starting to provide clean sterile injecting
equipment, and can also connect people experiencing problematic
substance use with other services who can provide further care
and treatment.”
Background
PHS report that by the
end of December 2024 4,081 THN kits had been issued by the
Scottish Ambulance Service.
The Scottish Government urges people to follow the guidance issued by the Scottish
Drugs Forum and partners to protect themselves and others.
This includes carrying extra naloxone to reverse an overdose due
to the increased strength of synthetics.
The Scottish Government has provided record levels of funding for
Alcohol and Drugs programmes with more than £115 million made
available to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in 2025-2026.
