The number of alcohol and drug incidents faced by paramedics in Melton rose by 25 per cent in the past financial year.
And while alcohol-related call-outs (261) continued to dominate Melton paramedics’ workloads, there were more than 100 benzodiazepine incidents in the 12 months to July, according to a new report.
Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs used to treat anxiety and sleeping problems.
Alcohol and Drug-Related Ambulance Attendances, a report by drug centre Turning Point, also reveals that methamphetamine-related ambulance attendances in the state continued to rise.
24In Melton, paramedics attended 46 ice incidents, compared with 40 the year before.
And while nearly all drug and alcohol call-outs in Melton increased significantly, paramedics attended far fewer GHB (liquid ecstasy) and antidepressant incidents in the past financial year.
The biggest rise in numbers was in call-outs for amphetamines, including ice, which rose by about 35 per cent.
Turning Point head of research and workforce development Belinda Lloyd said the increase in ice-related ambulance attendances was worrying. “Healthcare organisations, law enforcement agencies, government and the community in general have certainly made a concerted effort to tackle the issue of ice,” Associate Professor Lloyd said.
“However, we still need to get the message out there about the dangers involved when you use crystal methamphetamine.”
Ambulance Victoria acting group manager Michael Georgiou said alcohol and drug use was a significant issue and had “obvious” impacts on paramedics.
“Paramedics regularly see both the direct and indirect impacts of ice in communities like Melton,” Mr Georgiou said. “The drug ice is like no other in the way that it can quickly send people out of control. People taking ice risk potential health complications, including exposure to heart problems and stroke.”
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Jill Hennessy said she was concerned about the rising numbers.
“Too many people are putting their lives at risk,” she said. “The nature of some drugs can mean [people] show aggression and act violently against paramedics, nurses and doctors.”
Anyone facing problems can call the Ice Advice line on 1800 423 238 or Drug Info on 1300 858 584.
