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The North West Ambulance
Service warns of the dangers of legal highs
A warning has been issued from North
West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) following an increase in 999 emergency
calls as a result of patients consuming so called:- 'legal highs.'
These 'legal highs' contain chemicals which have most often never
been tested for human consumption meaning that there is no way of knowing what
effects it will have on the body, both in the short and long term. NWAS has
noticed a growing trend in recent months, across the region, of people who are
using these products in the same way as illegal drugs often with serious health
consequences with some cases even resulting in death. Senior Paramedic for NWAS,
Wayne Pemberton, said:- "These substances are not designed for human
consumption and people should not be fooled into thinking they are safe because
of their nickname. I, myself have witnessed a change in the extremity of the
symptoms presented in people who have taken these 'legal highs', such as
hallucination, unconsciousness and even respiratory arrest and, as we have no
idea what chemicals have gone into the drugs, it can be difficult to know how to
treat these patients. It is particularly concerning seeing young people take
these substances as they become extremely vulnerable and can easily get
themselves into dangerous positions as they lose their inhibitions are not in
control of their actions." NWAS has also noticed patients becoming
violent and aggressive after taking these substances, which include street names
Spice, Haze and Oblivion, posing a threat towards ambulance staff who can often
bear the brunt of uncontrollable behaviour. Sector Manager for NWAS, David
Rigby, said:- "The effects of patients taking ‘legal highs’ are extremely
worrying as symptoms are sporadic and unpredictable. We have seen such a wide
range of people falling victim to these substances, from youngsters to hardened
drug users, as they are found to be easily accessible and relatively cheap to
buy but, as we have seen first-hand, the effects can be detrimental."
NWAS urges people not to take the risk and stay away from these substances as
there is no way of knowing what ingredients have gone into them or what effect
they will have on each individual. If you require further advice on
drug use, please contact the 'FRANK' drugs helpline on:- 0300 123
6600 or call NWAS’ 111 Service.
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