High rate of booze emergencies

By Nicole Williams
DRUG and alcohol ambulance call-outs are on the rise in Greater Dandenong, with the city ranked 5th in the state.
New research by the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre has revealed ambulances were called to 1267 drug and alcohol overdoses during 2010/11.
It is down on the previous year of 1244 but still ranks Greater Dandenong among the highest municipality.
Greater Dandenong is beaten by the City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip and Frankston City Council.
The research included call-outs related to alcohol, cannabis, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine and a range of prescription medications.
Alcohol remained the highest figure compared to any other drug, with ambulances called to 336 call-outs relating to alcohol, with peaks during the summer months.
Turning Point researched Dr Belinda Lloyd said it was important people understood the danger of excessive alcohol consumption.
“The risk of injury and disease increases the more you drink,” she said
“Mixing alcohol and other drugs – either illegal drugs of prescription drugs – can cause serious health problems.”
Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said paramedics provide specialised treatment for drug and alcohol overdoses.
“Victorian paramedics have led the way in the treatment of drug affected patients,” he said.
“Any delay in calling an ambulance of any drug overdoes can cost lives. Our role is to save lives, not make judgements.”