Students are being warned to be alert when out socialising as universities welcome new intakes for freshers week. St John Ambulance, which offers support in a number of busy university towns on Friday and Saturday nights, says the number of spikings and suspected spikings they are called to deal with is on the increase.
Mike Perkins, the organisation's district community response lead in Leicester, said: “University is often the first time most people have lived away from home and can often be the first time many have gone out too.
"We want everyone to have an amazing time but to look out for one another. Friends are really important.”
St John will be in Leicester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Wolverhampton, Southampton and Soho, London throughout October to offer safe treatment spaces. The organisation aims to look out for people who may be vulnerable, especially women.
It offers treatment to people who are showing signs of having been spiked, or having had too much to drink. And it is asking friends to look out for each other when they are out socialising.
Mr Perkins said: “It’s so important to be able to spot the signs when something isn’t right and know what to do when things do go wrong. Unfortunately, there is no anti-spiking pill, so it’s a case of being alert and taking steps to keep you and your friends safe, and if you are spiked, calling 999 or seeking medical help.”
St John has offered the following tips for staying safe while out:
- Keep safe by staying together when you’re out with friends
- Pace yourself. Keep an eye on how much you and your friends are drinking.
- Many bars and nightclubs (and many universities) offer bottle ‘bungs’ like a cork which can prevent drinks being spiked – ask for one
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers, especially after you have had a few drinks
- If you think you or a friend has been spiked, make sure to alert bar or event staff and the police, including reporting any suspicious behaviour. Call 999 and get medical help, especially if there is a loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, or abnormal or impaired sight
- If you have used recreational drugs or drunk a lot of alcohol, it’s important to tell your friends what you have taken and when and get medical help from event staff if you need it
- Plan your route home—book taxis or download a rideshare app if trains or buses are not running
- Most of all, look out for each other so you can end the night safely
