About Red Cross HOPE
The Red Cross Overdose Prevention and Education Project (HOPE) provides training on preventing, recognising and managing an overdose for families and carers of opiate users. In doing so, Red Cross HOPE not only empowers carers and families with necessary skills and information, it also acknowledges the vital role that they play in supporting and responding to their family member's substance use.
Red Cross HOPE is a free six-hour course that covers:
- general information on opiates and other substances
- risk factors that contribute to overdose
- recognising overdose
- first aid and critical incident management (including CPR/EAR training)
- post-overdose care
- referral
- support information
Red Cross HOPE is fully accredited through Australian Red Cross. Participants receive a CPR qualification at completion. The CPR/EAR component is led by a qualified Red Cross First Aid instructor. The course can accommodate 15 particpants.
Red Cross HOPE is part of a coordinated statewide strategy involving a number of agencies and methodologies.
The course is appropriate for delivery to indigenous and non-English speaking communities, and is adaptable to the needs of specific local communities.
Why Red Cross HOPE?
The Red Cross HOPE Project was developed by the New South Wales State Government in response to a recent marked increase in the number of deaths resulting from opiate overdose.
The impact of opiate use and overdose is not confined to the individual user. Drug-related harm can affect many sections of the community, but is particularly traumatic for families and carers of a user. The Red Cross HOPE project therefore specifically targets families and other carers who are often the most important influence on a substance user.
Who should do a Red Cross HOPE course?
Any family member or carer of a person involved in opiate use may attend a course.
If you or your organisation is interested in collaborating or hosting a Red Cross HOPE training session, or you have clients who may be interested in participating, please contact the Red Cross HOPE Coordinator on 02 9229 4142, or email nswhope@redcross.org.au.
