The save-a-mate (SAM) youth drug and alcohol program is to be expanded to include an interactive peer education component that will fill an urgent need for practical skills to respond to the effects of drugs and alcohol.
The Australian Red Cross SAM program is aimed at reducing the harm and risks associated with drug and alcohol use in young people by providing first aid and peer support. Young save-a-mate volunteers attend youth events -- including dance parties, raves, music festivals, Schoolies Week, skate parks and nightclubs.
“Our SAM teams have participated in over 100 events. It became very clear that we needed to expand the capability of the service to teach even more people vital drug and alcohol harm reduction skills,” said Kerry Symons, General Manager Services, Australian Red Cross, South Australia.
“We ran a number of very successful peer education pilot programs that identified a real community need to help young people minimise their overdose risks through practical training -- before there’s a crisis.
“As a result, we developed a new interactive peer education component as an essential element of our state-wide SAM program.”
Ms Symons said the intensive one-day SAM peer education program features a curriculum designed for today’s youth who want credible and relevant information delivered by people they relate to and trust.
“This program is a first of its kind in South Australia because it includes both drug and alcohol harm minimisation strategies combined with first aid education. The program teaches practical skills for young people on how to recognise, prevent and respond if someone is overdosing,” said Ms Symons.
The course reviews the definition and classification of drugs and their effects on the body. It also provides practical ways to reduce the chance or lessen a potential drug crisis. In addition, participants learn important first aid skills including Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Over 600 hundred people have already been trained through SAM peer education in schools, workplaces and community organisations across South Australia.
Ms Symons said people interested in learning more about the SAM peer education program should visit the Australian Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org.au/ or call 8100 4613.
Available For Interview:
Kerry Symons, General Manager Services, South Australia, 0438 820 096
