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What to do if a friend is spiked
What to do if your friend is spiked or injected.
No one ever thinks it’s going to happen, but there have been increases in incidents – people consuming beverages that, without their knowledge, are drugged or have alcohol added to them. Or possibly injected with a foreign agent. This tactic is used for various reasons, including seemingly innocent pranks and more serious attempts at rape or robbery.
If a friend believes that they, or another friend, have been spiked, the following are steps that can be taken to prevent further harm:
- Recognise the symptoms.
- Get to a safe place.
- Get help.
- First Aid.
- Have trusted company.
Recognising the signs and symptoms that someone may have been drugged.
When in a situation where spiking is suspected, it is important to know what signs and symptoms to watch for. This lists the following potential signs and symptoms:
- Feeling dizzy, faint, or sleepy
- Difficulty walking
- Visual problems
- Paranoia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Being more drunk or intoxicated than expected based on alcohol consumed
- Passing out or experiencing blackouts
All of these may be signs or symptoms that an individual has been spiked. If it is suspected, the following steps can help keep the individual safe from further harm.
Get to a safe place.
Firstly make sure you and the individual are safe. If the individual is still in the situation where they were spiked, it is important to get that individual away from the situation and the people there. This can be vital to making sure you or the individual are not at further risk from the person who spiked them. This could prevent a rape or robbery. Do not shout and scream or blame anyone, this is likely to make the situation worse. If you suspect a person then make a mental note of their description.
If it is later or the next day, make sure they are in a place where potential problems related to the drug that was used will not have other dangerous consequences. For example, make sure the person does not try to drive a car or do something else that can pose a risk if there are lingering effects from the drug.
Get help.
When the individual is safe, it is important to seek out others who can provide active support, such as trusted friends, parents, or the management of the establishment in which the problem occurred. Nearby police officers, security, or even emergency services.
First Aid for people that may have been drugged
This is treated as poisoning
- Calm and reassure the individual
- Keep them warm and comfortable in a safe stable location
- DO NOT INDUCE Vomiting
- Monitor the individuals. Ensure they are breathing steadily and are responsive to you.
- Check for further injuries.
- Evacuate them to A&E or call 111.
- If the individual continues to deteriorate, loses consciousness, continues to breathing irregularly, or even stops breathing call 999.
In the event they stop breathing follow the correct procedures as your first aid training or the instructions from the emergency services operator.
In the event of fitting remove objects away from them, do not restrain them, protect their head if possible.
Have trusted company at all times.
While the person is detoxing from the substance it can be important for someone who is trusted to be with that individual at all times, not only to observe any potential changes in condition, but also to provide comfort and support in dealing with the aftermath of the event. Both the drug and the realisation of what happened can have a profound emotional or mental effect on the individual who has been the victim of a spiked drink.
People who can advocate and support the individual can be vital in getting professional help and initiating an investigation of the attack, if possible.
If you like this post share it with friends, it may help someone!
A micro learn on the action and first aid of someone experiencing a stroke
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The quickest way to assess if something is really wrong
Launch of a new course!
Would you want to be miles from nowhere with without a first aid kit to help a struggling person?
Does your company have the correct level of First Aid and H&S training required by the commissioner of a contract?
Trains you help while you wait for the emergency services or even realise you may not need them. Our Family First Aid is a one day Weekend First Aid course run on a saturdays.
It's not a nice thought but unfortunately a reality of the world we live in today
We were recently approached by an organisation asking if we were able to offer first aid training to an employee with a disability. Our first thought was, what an odd question, why would any first aid training company turn someone away that is keen to learn first aid, that could potentially save another life? Apparently there are first aid training companies that do exactly this. As we got further into the conversation it became apparent that this organisation had booked a first aid training course but were told that the learner with a disability would be unable to complete the course and therefore not receive a First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification. We hastily replied to this enquiry in fear that they had already been let down and we didn’t want them to feel that all first aid education providers would turn them away. Of course as with everything, there is some red tape to get through, but we were confident we could find a way to adjust the course and final assessment so it was possible for this learner to receive a first aid qualification. We spoke to all the necessary people and checked the rules with various governing bodies and our view is very clear. Even with a disability that may prevent them from being physically able to perform certain first aid skills such as CPR or the recovery position, all the same first aid skills would be taught but if there is a practical side that this person's disability hindered them from performing, we have a solution to this and it's really quite simple. If this person demonstrates that they can remain calm, give clear instructions and possess the knowledge to competently instruct another to perform the life saving tasks, where they are unable, this is still classed as a first aider. While we would not be unable to issue the EFAW or similar certificate we can issue a first aid theory certificate. They will be the person in the room that has taken the time to learn the theory and practical side of first aid so, in our eyes, that is a first aider. They must still pass the final assessment just like any other learner and we adjust the practical assessment to ensure their first aid knowledge is clear. We will also give them training on how to clearly vocalise the instructions. Surely all first aid instructors have core values that are to help as many people learn the skills to help others, why should this be any different for someone with a disability. In our current times inclusivity is paramount and shouldn’t really be a question. Of course, there are going to be times when some elements of first aid are not going to be possible or a situation may arise where there isn’t an able bodied person present to help with the practical side, but in life there are so many possibilities and outcomes that are out of our control but isn’t it better to be prepared and trained rather than do nothing at all. I’m pleased to say that we were able to help this learner and they are booked on one of our training courses. #getmeinvolved no matter who you are or your physical capabilities.
Paediatric First Aid First Aid for children and infants A Paediatric First Aid course is ideal for parents, grandparents, caregivers, childminders, schools and businesses involved in childcare. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles or professional childminders the thought of an accident or incident occurring while looking after your own or someone else's child can be a scary thought, especially for those who may be in rural areas where the emergency services may not be as easily accessible. Paediatric first aid comes with its own challenges and a fundamental part of being human is the wish to preserve life, especially a young life. It is hard wired into us to want to do something to help. It doesn’t have to be a grand heroic act, it can be something as simple as staying calm and being the one who is able to relay the details of the situation to the emergency services. We have spoken previously about using the what3words app to enable the emergency services to get to your precise location. Even downloading this app and having instant access to those important 3 words can be a life saving act. This is especially true if you are out with children in parks or day trips away from your usual residence or nursery setting. Paediatric first aid courses are a great way to boost your confidence and knowledge. All first aid courses are full of information, techniques and skills. Physical techniques like the recovery position or how to deal with a choking incident, all the way up to mental skills. An excellent quality of a first aider is to know the importance of staying calm, how to react to bystanders who may want to help but can be a hindrance and to be able to apply any knowledge that you have previously learnt. It is not only the practical first aid skills that are important but it's knowing how to safely handle the situation and acting swiftly. A good paediatric first aid course should cover areas such as; Assessing an emergency situation Provide First AId knowledge to an infant or child eho is unresponsive and either breathing or not breathing normally. External bleeding Foreign body obstruction in the airway Burns, scalds, bites and stings Anaphylaxis Injuries to bones, joints and muscles also head or spinal injuries Those suffering from a chronic medical condition or sudden illness There are many other topics covered but perhaps the most important is the paediatric first aid course you choose should meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Life saving skills are often thought to only be necessary for trained professionals like doctors, nurses and emergency services but these professionals can often do more if there has been a quick assessment and reaction by a first aider on scene. We all have the ability to perform life saving acts.
Get the kit to support your training
DAC has designed a simple first aid kit which will cover most of your needs. It fits in the glove box, a rucksack and even on your belt!
Add a CellAED and you are all set!
You have the training now you need the kit - DAC First AId kit
DAC Education now has live CellAEDs and training units. We now train this unit on all our courses. Furthermore our MD takes one in his rucksack on all search and rescue operations.
See some of our blogs below about Mental health, First aid and much more
A micro learn on the action and first aid of someone experiencing a stroke
A 3 minute micro learn to gain knowledge about what is and how to deal with fainting. #fainting #firstaidtraining #getmeinvolved
The quickest way to assess if something is really wrong
Launch of a new course!
Would you want to be miles from nowhere with without a first aid kit to help a struggling person?
Does your company have the correct level of First Aid and H&S training required by the commissioner of a contract?
Trains you help while you wait for the emergency services or even realise you may not need them. Our Family First Aid is a one day Weekend First Aid course run on a saturdays.
It's not a nice thought but unfortunately a reality of the world we live in today
We were recently approached by an organisation asking if we were able to offer first aid training to an employee with a disability. Our first thought was, what an odd question, why would any first aid training company turn someone away that is keen to learn first aid, that could potentially save another life? Apparently there are first aid training companies that do exactly this. As we got further into the conversation it became apparent that this organisation had booked a first aid training course but were told that the learner with a disability would be unable to complete the course and therefore not receive a First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification. We hastily replied to this enquiry in fear that they had already been let down and we didn’t want them to feel that all first aid education providers would turn them away. Of course as with everything, there is some red tape to get through, but we were confident we could find a way to adjust the course and final assessment so it was possible for this learner to receive a first aid qualification. We spoke to all the necessary people and checked the rules with various governing bodies and our view is very clear. Even with a disability that may prevent them from being physically able to perform certain first aid skills such as CPR or the recovery position, all the same first aid skills would be taught but if there is a practical side that this person's disability hindered them from performing, we have a solution to this and it's really quite simple. If this person demonstrates that they can remain calm, give clear instructions and possess the knowledge to competently instruct another to perform the life saving tasks, where they are unable, this is still classed as a first aider. While we would not be unable to issue the EFAW or similar certificate we can issue a first aid theory certificate. They will be the person in the room that has taken the time to learn the theory and practical side of first aid so, in our eyes, that is a first aider. They must still pass the final assessment just like any other learner and we adjust the practical assessment to ensure their first aid knowledge is clear. We will also give them training on how to clearly vocalise the instructions. Surely all first aid instructors have core values that are to help as many people learn the skills to help others, why should this be any different for someone with a disability. In our current times inclusivity is paramount and shouldn’t really be a question. Of course, there are going to be times when some elements of first aid are not going to be possible or a situation may arise where there isn’t an able bodied person present to help with the practical side, but in life there are so many possibilities and outcomes that are out of our control but isn’t it better to be prepared and trained rather than do nothing at all. I’m pleased to say that we were able to help this learner and they are booked on one of our training courses. #getmeinvolved no matter who you are or your physical capabilities.
Paediatric First Aid First Aid for children and infants A Paediatric First Aid course is ideal for parents, grandparents, caregivers, childminders, schools and businesses involved in childcare. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles or professional childminders the thought of an accident or incident occurring while looking after your own or someone else's child can be a scary thought, especially for those who may be in rural areas where the emergency services may not be as easily accessible. Paediatric first aid comes with its own challenges and a fundamental part of being human is the wish to preserve life, especially a young life. It is hard wired into us to want to do something to help. It doesn’t have to be a grand heroic act, it can be something as simple as staying calm and being the one who is able to relay the details of the situation to the emergency services. We have spoken previously about using the what3words app to enable the emergency services to get to your precise location. Even downloading this app and having instant access to those important 3 words can be a life saving act. This is especially true if you are out with children in parks or day trips away from your usual residence or nursery setting. Paediatric first aid courses are a great way to boost your confidence and knowledge. All first aid courses are full of information, techniques and skills. Physical techniques like the recovery position or how to deal with a choking incident, all the way up to mental skills. An excellent quality of a first aider is to know the importance of staying calm, how to react to bystanders who may want to help but can be a hindrance and to be able to apply any knowledge that you have previously learnt. It is not only the practical first aid skills that are important but it's knowing how to safely handle the situation and acting swiftly. A good paediatric first aid course should cover areas such as; Assessing an emergency situation Provide First AId knowledge to an infant or child eho is unresponsive and either breathing or not breathing normally. External bleeding Foreign body obstruction in the airway Burns, scalds, bites and stings Anaphylaxis Injuries to bones, joints and muscles also head or spinal injuries Those suffering from a chronic medical condition or sudden illness There are many other topics covered but perhaps the most important is the paediatric first aid course you choose should meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Life saving skills are often thought to only be necessary for trained professionals like doctors, nurses and emergency services but these professionals can often do more if there has been a quick assessment and reaction by a first aider on scene. We all have the ability to perform life saving acts.
Outdoor First Aid Course
DAC Education Ltd is now working with a national construction company that specialise in high level ropes access. Delivering First Responder courses to their site teams.
DAC Education LTD, Company number 12639015
Registered office and training centre: Unit One, Main Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LF