Naloxone intervention kits will be placed in West Dunbartonshire Council offices, libraries, leisure centres and other local authority buildings in a bid to save lives.
Last year it was estimated that 1300 lives were saved in Scotland by Naloxone - a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids to allow medical intervention.
Scotland has the highest rate of drug related deaths in Europe, and West Dunbartionshire has in recent years had the second highest drug death figures in Scotland. In 2021 there were 28 drug-related deaths recorded in the area.
READ MORE: Thousands have 'nearly died of drug overdose' since emergency declared in Scotland
Local councillor Jim Bollan asked for the equipment to be made available in areas where it was felt it could be of emergency assistance, in a motion was brought before Wednesday’s full council meeting.
The motion issued to councillors read: “Council recognises the huge number of deaths due to opiate overdose in Scotland. West Dunbartonshire, at the end of 2022, had six such deaths within the space of a month.
“People who overdose on opiates can be saved by Naloxone being administered, which temporarily reverses the effects of opiate overdose to allow medical intervention.
“Last year in Scotland 1300 lives were saved by Naloxone.
“Council agrees to locate a Naloxone Intervention Kit in all council premises, offices, libraries, leisure centres, residential units and other locations, where it is felt they could be of emergency assistance.
“Free training for staff locally (45mins) is available, the Naloxone Kit and a free supply of the Naloxone is available locally from the NHS for all accredited/trained users.”
Speaking about his motion, councillor Bollan said that the issue had been brought to his attention by a former council employee who now works in the field of addiction.
He said: “The person is located locally and it would be through that person we could make contact to carry out what is contained in this motion if the council agrees to it.
“It is also heartening to see that Police Scotland has now started training police officers to carry the kits with them in the vans.
“That is good news and I hope that the council can approve this today, supplement and network with other agencies to try and save lives. It has been proved it does work with 1300 lives in Scotland saved, and I think it is something we should attach ourselves to given the issues we have locally with drug and alcohol addiction - particularly drug addiction.”
Depute leader of the council Michelle McGinty agreed that if used properly by trained volunteers, Naloxone could help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
Councillor McGinty said: “I believe that the council should locate Naloxone intervention kits at suitable public buildings where there are sufficient volunteers willing to do the appropriate training.
“Naloxone training has already commenced at Church Street due to a recent incident here with 11 members of staff fully trained and Naloxone kits added to their first aid boxes.
“It would be useful if this is monitored over the coming months while we continue to review the further training expansion to both our staff and other partners when requested ensuring a need has been identified and it is fully risk assessed.
“I would ask that we ensure everyone who uses these kits.”
Members unanimously agreed to approve the motion.
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