Free Naloxone training for councillors
Renfrewshire councillors are among those who have been invited to take part in free naloxone training provided by the alcohol and drug partnership (ADP), writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.
The life-saving medication is used as a first-aid intervention and temporarily reverses the effects of opiate drugs including heroin, methadone and dihydrocodeine.
In a potentially fatal opiate overdose, naloxone can buy crucial time until the arrival of an ambulance.
Training events have been scheduled at Johnstone Town Hall in the town’s Church Street from 9.30am until 11.30am on Tuesday, June 11, and the FindingYour Feet charity hub at St James House in Paisley between 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday, October 8.
Following the training, participants will be able to describe what naloxone is and how to use it, identify the risk factors associated with overdose and recognise the signs of opiate overdose and respond.
A flyer, which was sent to elected members, said:“The Renfrewshire alcohol and drug partnership is offering free naloxone training throughout 2024.
“Naloxone is a medication used in the community as a first aid intervention. It temporarily reverses the effects of opiate drugs.
“Opiates are a class of drug that includes heroin, methadone and dihydrocodeine.
“In a potentially fatal opiate overdose, naloxone can buy time until an ambulance arrives. Naloxone has no intoxicating effect or dependence potential.
“In a similar manner to adrenaline, naloxone may be legally administered by anyone to anyone for the intended purpose of saving a life.”
The ADP is a strategic partnership comprising Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish
Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Prison Service and the voluntary sector which has responsibility for addressing alcohol and drug issues in communities.
More information about naloxone and the training events is available at renfrewshire.hscp.scot/article/12699/ Naloxone