An initiative encouraging young people to overcome fears of repercussions and call 999 in drug-related emergencies is being rolled out across Scotland.

Led by the Scottish Ambulance Service, the TRUST initiative aims to educate and support young people who may avoid phoning for an ambulance when they or their friends experience a drug-related emergency due to perceived fear of consequences.

Successful pilots of the initiative in several high schools in Fife and Glasgow means the campaign will now be expanded across the country.

It urges young people to: Take it seriously, Ring 999, Use first aid skills, Stay with them, and Tell ambulance staff what they’ve taken.

The educational resources will also help young people understand what to expect in an emergency and there will also be opportunities to hear first-hand from emergency staff about their roles.

Kira Watson, Clinical Effectiveness Lead for Drug Harm Reduction - East at the Scottish Ambulance Service, said the timing of the roll-out coincides with potentially increased risks among younger people during the summer and festival season:

“The TRUST initiative has been designed to show young people that the Scottish Ambulance Service is here to help them.

“As summer holidays and festival season continue, drug related incidents increase, and we want to make sure young people aren’t afraid to quickly seek help when they or their friends need it.

“Once they have received treatment, we can also make the appropriate referrals for on-going support, information and advice.”

Christina McKelvie, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, said she welcomes the expansion of the TRUST initiative, which she said can save lives by supporting and educating young people involved in a drugs emergency.

She added that other measures, including support the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot, delivering drug checking facilities and widening access to Naloxone as part of the government’s £250m National Mission on drugs, will also help reduce harm and allow a faster response to emerging drug trends.

A total of 1,197 people were thought to have died as a result of drugs in 2023.

Schools and community spaces who believe the TRUST initiative would be of benefit to their local areas are invited to get in touch with the Scottish Ambulance Service for more information: sas.drug-harm@nhs.scot  

Read more: RADAR system to spot drug death; Experts: Drugs deaths need emergency response now; Plea to hear the voices of drug death families; Smashing stigma to save lives in Scotland

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