from YAPRap May 2006
Does alcohol or other drug use affect the lives of the young people you work with? Are you looking for concrete ways to "empower" them through increasing their "capacity" to recognise and respond to substance related emergencies? Would you like them to be able to "save a mate"?
Save a Mate (SAM) is a training program designed to promote successful outcomes to emergencies resulting from alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Of the plethora of AOD courses offered in the community, none take the unique approach of teaching individuals the skills to handle potential emergencies. Likewise there are a host of First Aid training courses available but none contextualise the information in a youth friendly format focussed on relevant, contemporary issues such as AOD.
Who is SAM for?
SAM is youth focused program designed for anyone who may potentially be present at an AOD crisis or emergency. Participants of SAM include:
- Young people
- Youth and AOD workers
- Nightclub staff and patrons
- Teachers, school and tertiary students
- Carers and family members of people with problematic drug use
- Young offenders
- Prison inmates
- Sex workers
- Injecting drug users.
What does SAM training cover?
The program has two components:
1. AOD information
- What is a drug?
- Classifications of drugs
- Factors that influence the effect of any drug
- Factors that increase the risk for overdose or other drug related emergencies
- Signs and symptoms of AOD related emergencies
2. First Aid for AOD related emergencies
- What is first aid
- Ambulance procedures (including Police attendance at emergency)
- Emergency Action Principles
- Universal precautions (dealing with blood etc)
- Legal considerations
- AOD first aid (CPR - cardio pulmonary resuscitation)
Why participate in SAM?
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Red Cross is a world market leader in the provision of first aid training. Participants who complete the training receive a nationally recognised CPR certificate, valid for 12 months.
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Drug use affects everybody - the user, friends, family members, children and the wider community. The skills taught in the SAM program could save a life.
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SAM courses are interactive, informative and relevant. Training is delivered in a way that engages young people and promotes successful learning outcomes.
How much does a SAM course cost?
The standard cost per participant for attending SAM training is $75.00. Wherever possible SAM strives to deliver training to those who identify a need for these skills. Reduced rates are available to not for profit and community organisations on application.
More information
Contact Tom O'Brien, SAM coordinator on (02) 9229 4142 or email nswsam@redcross.org.au. Check out our website www.saveamate.org.au
