Charity Offers Training to Counter Opioid Overdose Fatalities

A charitable organization is conducting training sessions aimed at preventing fatalities among individuals experiencing opioid overdoses, such as those involving heroin. Guildford Action is reportedly the initial non-medical facility in England to dispense naloxone in conjunction with its existing needle exchange program. Furthermore, the organization’s staff has initiated instructing personnel employed in homelessness support services on the proper application of naloxone, a medication capable of counteracting overdose symptoms. Official government data indicates that 82 individuals in Surrey succumbed to drug misuse between the years 2020 and 2022. Naloxone is available in both injectable and nasal spray forms, allowing trained individuals to carry it for immediate deployment during critical situations. Jo Caesar, who serves as Guildford Action’s operations director, oversees these instructional programs and expresses a strong desire to educate the broadest possible audience to contribute to saving lives. She stated: “It’s really important to make people aware, due to the fact that there’s been a lot of stigma around possible opioid misuse and the need for something as important as naloxone which can reverse opioid overdose.“It’s just so easy to use and it’s so important to be able to use it and to be able to save someone’s life.” Ms Caesar affirmed that “absolutely anyone and everyone” is eligible for training in naloxone administration. Opioid substances encompass medications such as codeine and Oramorph, the latter containing the potent analgesic morphine, in addition to heroin and various synthetic opioids. Ms Caesar aimed to clarify common misconceptions regarding opioid consumption, noting that pain-relieving medications can possess significant addictive properties. She commented: “Anyone of us can know anyone that uses opioid so I’m happy to talk to anyone about it and give them the knowledge.” The instructional program educates participants on identifying overdose indicators and includes practical exercises such as injecting an orange and demonstrating the application of the nasal spray. For individuals affected by the topics discussed in this report, information regarding assistance and support can be found via the BBC Action Line. Connect with BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Submit your narrative concepts to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or reach us on WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Details regarding our policy on external linking are available for review.