The UK’s leading first aid charity has issued important safety advice as more than two million students head off to university this month.
St John Ambulance has warned of an increase in spiking incidents, advising students of the steps they can take to stay safe during freshers week and beyond. Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their knowledge or consent.
The charity said that they have seen a rise in the number of spikings and suspected spikings they have been called out to deal with, WalesOnline reports . Members of St John are on hand to offer support on Friday and Saturday nights in university towns across the UK, including Newcastle .
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Mike Perkins, the organisation's district community response lead in Leicester, 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 also issued eight measures that students can take while on nights out to help protect themselves and their friends from being spiked. They advise to stay together in groups, ensure you plan your route home by booking taxis or downloading a rideshare app if trains or buses aren’t running, and keeping an eye on friends to make sure they get home safely too.
The charity also urges students to pace themselves when it comes to drinking, tell their friends what they have taken if they have used recreational drugs or drank a lot of alcohol, and not to accept drinks from strangers. They also point out that many bars, nightclubs and universities offer bottle ‘bungs’ which act like a cork to prevent drinks from being spiked, advising students to ask for one when they’re out.
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.
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