Crystal methamphetamine's impact on frontline emergency services in Victoria, Australia.
- Publisher:
- ELSEVIER SCI LTD
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Australas Emerg Care, 2019, 22, (4), pp. 201-205
- Issue Date:
- 2019-12
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| Filename | Description | Size | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-s2.0-S2588994X19300508-main.pdf | Published version | 311.92 kB |
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BACKGROUND: The use of crystal methamphetamine is a growing problem in Australia. Methamphetamine users can suffer adverse physical health effects, psychotic symptoms and methamphetamine-related aggressive behaviour. The increasing use and related harms of crystal methamphetamine is presenting serious problems for frontline emergency responders. METHODS: A population-based retrospective analysis was undertaken of data collected by Ambulance Victoria describing crystal methamphetaminerelated events attended by ambulance across Victoria over six financial years from 2011/12 to 2016/17. RESULTS: Methamphetamine-related events attended by Victoria Ambulance paramedics significantly increased from 2011/12 to 2016/17, particularly in regional Victoria. The most frequent age group requiring ambulance attendance is 25-39 years. The proportion of events requiring police coattendance significantly increased, as did transportation to emergency department/hospital. CONCLUSION: The substantial increases in methamphetamine-related events attended by ambulance indicate the need for increased resources and support for paramedics, particularly in regional/rural areas. The large increase among young people aged 15-24 years indicates a need for policy action on prevention, harm reduction and expanded treatment services to reduce health problems and methamphetamine-related harms.
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