Consistent national response has been developed to ensure that individuals who present to A&E with suspected spiking receive clear and uniform advice.
Spiking involves giving someone alcohol or drugs without their consent, often by adding substances to drinks or injecting them
NHS 24, in collaboration with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, is raising awareness of the dangers of spiking as part of a co-ordinated effort to protect the Lanarkshire public during the busy summer events season.
As part of this multi-agency approach, a consistent national response has been developed to ensure that individuals who present to A&E with suspected spiking receive clear and uniform advice.
Scotland’s 111 service has also been updated to include spiking-related guidance, helping to better identify and support potential cases.
Download the Lanarkshire Live app today
The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire – iOS – Android
This approach has been endorsed by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “We are aware of the concern in spiking cases that the link between health professionals and Police Scotland has not always been clear to victims.
“We are, therefore, introducing changes to the NHS system which will allow us to record those who present to A&E as potential victims of spiking.
“This will provide invaluable data on previous unrecorded incidents and will allow us to better understand the extent to which these lead on to formal police reporting.
READ MORE: Two Lanarkshire clubs receive Aldi Scotland’s Scottish Sport Fund boost
“We remain committed to raising awareness of and addressing issues around spiking, and urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay safe as they enjoy the summer and festival period.”
Spiking involves giving someone alcohol or drugs without their consent, often by adding substances to drinks or injecting them.
The most common type is drink spiking, which can occur at social events, private gatherings, bars, or nightclubs.
Safer Scotland’s tips to keep yourself safe from spiking include:
– Never leave a drink unattended, whether it is alcoholic or not.
– Never accept a drink from someone unknown.
– Don’t drink or taste anyone else’s drink.
– Throw a drink away or take it back to the bar if it tastes strange or different.
– Avoid drinking or taking substances which impact safety and wellbeing.
– Always stick together with friends and look out for each other, even when within smaller social gatherings.
If leaving a venue early or going home alone make sure friends are aware and there is a plan for getting home safely.
READ MORE: Crimestoppers Scotland campaign empowering people to speak out against domestic violence
“Recognising the signs of spiking is crucial, as the signs can appear rapidly” explained Dr Julie Ronald, associate medical director at NHS 24.
“Common symptoms can include sudden dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
“If you suspect you or someone else has been spiked, stay with a trusted friend and seek immediate help.
“It’s important to alert venue staff and seek medical help right away. Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice, but in a life-threatening emergency remember to always call 999.”
Spiking is a criminal offence. All suspected incidents should be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Further information and advice can be found at https://safer.scot/spiking/
READ MORE: People with £3.5k or more savings could face surprise tax bill letter from HMRC
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.