STUDENTS from Wrexham Glyndwr University (WGU) recently received training on the administration of life-saving medication.

Criminology and Criminal Justice students at WGU have received training on how to administer a life-saving medication, in a bid to counter the effects and deaths from overdose. 

In a first for WGU students on the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree course, they were given a talk by Claire Morris, Collaborative Outreach Coordinator from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) East Wales Harm Reduction Service on the social construction of the 'drugs problem', before being shown how to administer the emergency medication, nasal Naloxone. 

Naloxone is a drug that can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids such as heroin or methadone.  

Claire, who delivered the session, works with service users to create a peer-to-peer network of people who possess and can administer the life-saving drug to those in need. 

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Students received an in-depth session on the social and economic issues surrounding drug use, the issues faced by service users and how to identify someone suffering from an overdose.  

Carrianne Clayton, a third year Criminology student who attended the session, said: “I suffered addiction myself; I feel there is far too much stigma around individuals suffering addiction. 

“I have also had family members suffer addiction, who like me, have managed to breakaway. I have also lost some very good people including friends and family to addiction far too young. 

“I feel it would be beneficial for drug users to carry Naloxone, have it in their property or for nearby shops to have it because in most circumstances an overdose will happen in that environment. I wish that so many years ago someone close to me would have had Naloxone nearby and they could have maybe helped their loved one.” 

Dr Joanne Prescott, Senior Lecturer in Policing and Criminology at WGU, described the session as “instrumental” as it would help prepare students to potentially save lives in their future profession or even in their day-to-day lives. 

She added: “We have recognised that many of our Criminology and Criminal Justice students may go on to secure employment in areas whereby they come across people who struggle with opioid dependency and at risk of opioid overdose.  

“Providing this lifesaving training, delivered by BCUHB Harm Reduction Service, has been instrumental in helping students to recognise the signs and symptoms of an Opioid overdose and understand how and when to administer Naloxone.”