Pub staff in Stirling will be trained to administer naloxone medication which is used to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose as part of a new campaign.
Naloxone medication can reverse the effects of opioids, including heroin, methadone, codeine, morphine and tramadol.
It is used in short-term emergency settings until a medical professional can intervene.
Participants at the training will receive a naloxone kit, meaning most pubs and Fubar will have one on their premises.
The training is part of the How to Save a Life campaign which aims to raise awareness of drug overdose signs.
It will be run by Peter Cochrane from Recovery Scotland on October 25 in Stirling.
All Stirling Pubwatch members will attend the training. The group is made up of licensed premises managers who meet regularly to discuss issues and protect Stirling’s nightlife.
The session is also open to interested individuals, businesses, community organisations and hospitality employees in Stirling.
Why is naloxone training important?
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.”
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.”
To book a place on the training, individuals should email admin@goforthstirling.co.uk.
Featured Image Credit: Go Forth Stirling
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