First aid
All relevant staff should be appropriately trained in first aid procedures. Normal first aid procedures apply. Information about local first aid courses can be obtained from St John Ambulance.
In the case of solvent and volatile substance abuse a number of additional features should be mentioned:
- STAY CALM. This is especially important because solvents can have a fatal effect on the heart if the user becomes excited or frightened. Try to keep the person calm.
- Assess the situation. Solvents may provide a potential fire risk, especially if there is a point of ignition such as a cigarette or a fire.
- Remove the solvents and provide as much fresh air as possible.
- If the person is not breathing, if they are unconscious or you are uncertain about their well being get someone to call an ambulance. If there is no pulse ask for an ambulance with a cardiac defibrillation unit.
- Apply normal first aid procedures, i.e. place the person in the recovery position.
- When the ambulance arrives tell them what you know about the products used and other substances or medications that you are aware of.
- Directly after use is not the best time to discuss their sniffing problem. Being supportive at this stage will open channels for communication later.
Drug situations
The procedures for an emergency apply when a person is at immediate risk of harm. A person who is unconscious, having trouble breathing, is seriously confused or disoriented, or who has taken a harmful toxic substance, should be responded to as an emergency. Your main responsibility is for any young person who is at immediate risk, but you also need to ensure the well-being and safety of others. Put into practice your standard first-aid procedures.
If in any doubt, call for medical help.
Always:
- Assess the situation
- If a medical emergency, send for medical help and ambulance
Before assistance arrives
If the person is conscious:
- Ask them what has happened and to identify any drug used
- Collect any drug sample and any vomit for medical analysis
- Do not induce vomiting
- Do not chase or over-excite them if intoxicated from inhaling a volatile substance
- Keep them under observation, warm and quiet
If the person is unconscious:
- Ensure that they can breathe and place in the recovery position
- Do not move them if a fall is likely to have led to spinal or other serious injury which may not be obvious
- Do not give anything by mouth
- Do not attempt to make them sit or stand
- Do not leave them unattended or in the charge of another young person
- Notify parents/carers as soon as possible
For needle-stick (sharps) injuries:
- Encourage wound to bleed, do not suck the wound, wash with soap and water
- Dry and apply a waterproof dressing
- If used/dirty needle seek advice from a doctor
When medical help arrives
- Pass on any information available, including vomit and any drug samples
- Complete a medical record form as soon as possible after you have dealt with the emergency