Overdose among heroin users in Sydney, Australia: II. Responses to overdose

Authors: Darke S.; Ross J.; Hall W.

Source: Addiction, Volume 91, Number 3, 1 March 1996 , pp. 413-418(6)

Publisher: Carfax Publishing, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

A sample of 329 heroin users were interviewed about their experiences at other peoples' heroin overdoses. The overwhelming majority (86%) had witnessed a heroin overdose, on a median of six occasions. Heroin users were reluctant to seek medical attention, with an ambulance being called on only half (56%) of the most recent overdose occasions. At only 17% of most recent overdoses was calling an ambulance the first action taken. M ales reported taking significantly longer than females to call an ambulance. Nearly half (44%) of subjects reported that there were factors that had delayed or stopped them seeking medical assistance, the most common impediment being a fear of police involvement. The importance of interventions to encourage help-seeking at overdoses are discussed.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1996-03-01