The next generation of north-east health professionals have been trained up to administer a life-saving medication as part of efforts to reduce the soaring number of drug-related deaths.
Last year, 1,187 people in Scotland died in connection with illegal substances – up 27% on 2017.
Yesterday volunteers from Aberdeen in Recovery showed more than 120 Robert Gordon University students how the drug naloxone works to counteract opioid overdoses in emergency situations.
It is hoped the workshop will encourage the in-training pharmacists, nurses and midwives to consider its use and tell others about it when they enter the world of work after graduation.
Fiona Raeburn, a specialist pharmacist in substance misuse, said the event was helping to overturn a “historical stigma” about naloxone.
“I feel really positive that we are helping students hit the ground running and getting them thinking about its uses,” she said.
“It’s a ground-breaking intervention and it’s a safe drug, which is why we can give it out in communities where people are experiencing overdose.”
Mark Craig from Aberdeen in Recovery said: “Our idea is to get as many naloxone kits into the community as we can.
“We’ve had a 27% rise in drug deaths in the last year.
“This is about getting the message out and giving people the confidence to use naloxone.
“One wrong decision in your life can cause all this grief, not just for yourself but your friends, family and loved ones.”
Gemma Henderson, a fourth-year pharmacy student who organised the event, added: “We’ve had a really good turnout, and everyone is really interested in finding out more.
“I couldn’t believe the response to it.
“Everyone needs to know about this, even if they aren’t working in a healthcare environment.
“It means even someone just walking down the street would know how to administer it and who to call.”
