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Advice for dealing with difficult
situations
The dangers of volatile substance abuse can happen without warning. Someone
who has been sniffing and seems fairly OK might suddenly become disturbed
or upset, or they might collapse.
So you need to be prepared to deal with emergencies. The best thing is
to get yourself on a first aid course. In the UK the St John’s Ambulance
Association can tell you about relevant courses, or contact your local
Health Authority.
Even if you don’t go on a first aid course, at least learn how to put
people in The ‘Recovery Position’
In an Emergency…
…What do you do?
FIRST OF ALL: Keep calm. (This may not be the first thing you
think of, but it will make things easier!)
If you need further help and advice
If the person is drowsy or
unconscious
 because
of the small risk of 'sudden sniffing death' discourage exertion and
keep the person calm
remove
any volatile substances and make sure that there is plenty of fresh
air
make
sure they are lying on their side so that if they are sick their vomit
won't stop them breathing
call
a doctor or ambulance if the user is unconscious. (Although the user
may recover before the ambulance arrives, it is better to be safe than
sorry. No-one will accuse you of raising a false alarm!)
If they are behaving violently
make
sure there is plenty of fresh air
be
as calm as possible and try and calm the user. Keep in mind the goal
of calming the situation
ensure
your own safety
ensure
the safety of others: remove them from the scene if possible
ensure,
as far as possible without endangering yourself, the safety of the person
try
to stop them sniffing – without using force or inflaming the situation
use
your knowledge of the person and your judgment in deciding on the most
appropriate course of action.
If they are simply intoxicated
and you need to attend to them
What you do with someone who is not in such a bad way will depend on
your relationship and on the situation. Dealing with a group of sniffers
requires a different approach to dealing with an individual.
ensure
ventilation
don't
over-react: this may inflame a tense situation
don't
chase sniffers around or over-excite them (because of the small risk
of 'sudden sniffing death')
don't
get involved in arguments
try
to stop them sniffing – without using force or inflaming the situation
try
and stay or get someone else to stay with the user until the effects
have worn off.
The ‘Recovery Position’
Look at this picture. This is the position to put people in if they are
unconscious. Lying them on their side makes sure that if they vomit they
won’t choke on it.
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