D.A.R.T.
Drug Awareness Responder Training

"... a unique program designed to educate the First Responder"

Case Study

The First Responder Team (FRT) arrive on scene where a 21 yo female has called for help at 0917hrs. Upon arrival the FRT notice a single female kneeling beside a 24 yo male who is supine on the floor, unconscious with three pink “fruitloops” in a baggie. A heavy dose of heroin (a CNS depressant) has shut down his respiratory system and he is not breathing. The FRT attempt to remove the female and begin emergency procedures for the male patient. As minutes go by, the female is more difficult to control and is becoming more agitated with the two FRT members. Two members from the five member team decide to remove and restrain the female as she begins to interfere with the resuscitation attempt. Suddenly, a spasmastic jerking from her hand let two shots ring out and the two member team are shot dead. What went wrong?????

Scene Size Up – if the FRT were trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of a patient who has a suspected drug occurrence, and know what certain recreational drugs look like, they would not have attempted to restrain a female on ecstasy. The three “fruitloops” in the baggie were actually ecstasy pills. Her behaviour, which included an increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, an increased body temperature and sweating, eye oscillation and spasmastic jerks are the physical signs of patient on ecstasy. Additional psychological effects include entactogen: an ability to touch within; empathogen: increased ability to share feelings; and an increased ability to recall past events.

The D.A.R.T program will introduce information surrounding recreational drug use and provide useful information for the First Responder on scene. In addition to patient care, a hands-on approach will “show” what to look for at an emergency scene and discuss the preventive steps to potential exposure. Taught by an expert in the field with 20 years experience, this program is one of the most valuable sessions your Team could learn!

Core topics include: • Different types of Drugs used by individuals • Route of entry into the body • Frequency of use (tolerance) • User expectations and environment • Personality and behaviour changes of user • The genetic predisposition of the user    (not sure about this) • Drug Recognition • Packaging Material used for different Drugs • Display of Hands-on paraphernalia

Time Frame: 2 hours

Call us to schedule this educational and interactive training program!