19 September 2007
Staying Alive in London
The London Drug Policy Forum with the support of the
Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and the NHS have
today launched a new information card campaign aimed at saving
lives. Around five Londoners a week die from a drugs
overdose. Many of these could be saved if medical help was sought
promptly.
Staying Alive, encourages the friends and family of drug users
to call for an ambulance if someone collapses or overdoses. There
is evidence that people often hesitate to call for an ambulance in
this situation fearing they may get themselves or the individual
into trouble.
Detective Superintendent Neil Wilson of the Metropolitan Police
said: “We know people often hesitate to call an ambulance if there
has been a suspected overdose. However, the fact is that we are not
routinely called to attend suspected overdose incidents and our
overwhelming prime concern is the saving of lives. By phoning an
ambulance you can help save a life”.
On behalf of the London Ambulance Service, Deputy Director of
Operations, Russell Smith said: “Taking the simple actions
identified on the card will often save a life but most importantly,
people must not delay calling an ambulance. Our function is to save
lives and we don’t routinely involve the police in 999 calls to
overdoses. Prompt action by family and friends is also vital”.
Representing NHS London, Jean Nicol welcomed the campaign and
said: "Although drug related deaths had begun to fall, latest
national figures show that over the past few years they have begun
to rise again. Many drug deaths are easily avoidable and
earlier this year the Government set out a new action plan to build
on previous work. This campaign is another important step, getting
friends, loved ones and members of the public to help".
Mrs Maureen Kellett, Chairman for the London Drug Policy Forum
added: “Staying Alive is an important campaign; so many lives could
be saved simply by someone dialling 999 and asking for an
ambulance. We are pleased to be working with our partners to help
give individuals the confidence that this is the right thing to
do”.
Notes for editors
Staying Alive will see the London Drug Policy Forum working with
the 33 London Drug Action Teams to distribute 50,000 information
cards.
The City of London Corporation established the London Drug
Policy Forum in 1990 to promote partnership working around drug
problems. For further details on the work of the LDPF contact David
MacKintosh on 020 7456 1443. For press enquiries on the City of
London, please contact Loretta Lui on 020 7332 1528.