Naloxone use not linked to ambulance call-outs in Scotland

Researchers evaluating the impact of a programme aimed at reducing drug-related deaths have found no clear association with a decrease in ambulance attendance to overdoses.

The study, carried out by researchers from the NHS and Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian universites may help alleviate concerns the programme would lead to fewer attendances by emergency medical services at opioid-related overdose incidents.

The Scottish Government established a national naloxone programme (NNP) in 2010 aimed at reducing drug-related deaths by distributing ‘take home’ naloxone kits – a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin or methadone in an overdose situation.

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Thumbnail: Flickr CC VCU CNS