Emergency Info

Guidelines on when to call the Emergency Services 999 for unwell recreational drug users

Call 999 if ANY one of the following is present:

Unconsciousness – if the patient does not respond to vocal commands, requires painful stimulus (e.g. pressure across the fingernails) to respond or does not respond at all.

Significant agitation (e.g. pacing around the room) or aggression not settling within 15 minutes.

Seizures (e.g. a convulsion similar to an epileptic fit)

Breathing difficulties such as fast breathing rate which does not settle within 15 minutes.

Heart rate over 140 beats per minute not settling within 5 minutes.

Temperature over 38.5 not settling after about 5 minutes of rest, or if very flushed and feels very hot if no thermometer is available.

Blood pressure – Systolic (“upper pressure”) over 180mmHg, or Diastolic (“lower pressure”) over 110mmHg on two repeated blood pressure measurements.

Other concerns – if there are any other concerns (e.g. severe headache, chest pain).

 
IF IN DOUBT CALL 999

Download as a PDF

03.11.2019

Availability of drinking water

It is important that everyone attending events keepsĀ themselves hydrated with water or other non-alcoholic drinks. This is particularly important for those who have consumed alcohol and drugs, especially ecstasy.

There have been many health education campaigns on this issue and surveys show that many clubbers are aware of the need to keep themselves hydrated. However, it should also be noted that in some cases the over consumption of water can cause serious problems.

Free and unrestricted access

It is imperative that there is free and unrestricted, but monitored, access to cold drinking water at all times. Licensing authorities should be aware that, in order to maximise bar profits, several owners and promoters have turned off water supplies, supplied only warm water or discouraged bar staff from supplying free cold water. Similarly, festivals have been known to provide only limited free water in hard to access parts of the festival site in order to protect the revenue of concessions selling beverages. Recommended best practice is:

  • Provision of cold water in easy to access areas; such as taps installed by the bar,
  • Large signs to advertise and locate where water can be accessed,
  • Availability of a large range of appropriately priced bottled water and soft drinks for purchase at the bar.

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