‘Mind-boggling’: Victorian outreach workers decry double standard for lifesaving overdose drug naloxone
August 12, 2024 by theguardian.com
‘Mind-boggling’: Victorian outreach workers decry double standard for lifesaving overdose drug naloxone
Frontline workers face legal obstacles in administering naloxone to treat drug overdoses in Victoria without first calling emergency services. Health experts warn about the dangers of synthetic opioids and advocate for increased access to naloxone. Despite public availability and trial vending machines, non-clinical workers must follow strict guidelines, causing potential delays in life-saving interventions. Concerns over indemnity and insurance coverage for administering naloxone have been raised, prompting calls for a more streamlined process. The Victorian government encourages the public to administer naloxone but emphasizes the importance of calling emergency services.
13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
