Citation

Ryan JM, Spronken I. J. Accid. Emerg. Med. 2000; 17(4): 272-273.

Affiliation

Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. ryanj@pavilion.co.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10921816

PMCID

PMC1725416

Abstract

Reducing drug related deaths has been identified as a priority by the British government. This study examined the link between drug related deaths in the community and prior contact with local accident and emergency (A&E) services. Most drug related deaths were found among male opioid users in their early 30s who had previously attended the local A&E department. It is suggested that A&E departments have a vital part to play, not only in the acute management but also in the prevention of drug related deaths in the community. Models for primary prevention, liaison and ongoing referral are discussed.

Language: en