Tuesday, January 18, 2005
"Just how twisted do you want to get?"
Press release of the week:
Warning Against Twisting Into The Grave Monday 17 January 2005
St John regional events manager Adam Johnston says St John staff first noticed a “sharp increase” in serious collapses associated with legal stimulant abuse at last year’s Big Day Out and are bracing themselves for this year.
“Last year, we treated five people who collapsed, four of them with seizures. In some cases these people had consumed up to 10 times the recommended dose before turning up at the event.”
Increasingly since then, Mr Johnston said, partygoers and event participants have been filling up ambulances after abusing these legal stimulants, which are sold over the counter at shops.
“The message is just because it is herbal, doesn’t mean it is safe, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
People just need to ask themselves, how “twisted” do they really want to get? Twisted enough to need intensive care?.” he said.
Mr Johnston said the Big Day Out was well-run but participants needed to be aware of the demands that constant dancing and activity placed on their bodies, especially in warm weather.
“Its no criticism on the organisers. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. There is a threshold of what is safe to consume. There is clearly also an element of self responsibility here.”
Here are five essential tips from St John for a safe and enjoyable Big Day Out.
Ensure you cover up with sunblock and reapply it regularly throughout the day.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration particularly if you have been reasonably energetic during the day.
If you have been taking legal stimulants or alcohol, remember that these can mask your body’s normal warning signals. Remember to take regular breaks and ask your friends to look out for you.
Don’t exceed the maximium doses listed on the packets of legal stimulants. Treat them like alcohol – too much can make you very sick and it’s the same with these legal pills.
If you’re not feeling well, come and see St John. We won’t pass judgement and we’re more interested in your wellbeing rather than what you’ve been taking.
Warning Against Twisting Into The Grave Monday 17 January 2005
St John regional events manager Adam Johnston says St John staff first noticed a “sharp increase” in serious collapses associated with legal stimulant abuse at last year’s Big Day Out and are bracing themselves for this year.
“Last year, we treated five people who collapsed, four of them with seizures. In some cases these people had consumed up to 10 times the recommended dose before turning up at the event.”
Increasingly since then, Mr Johnston said, partygoers and event participants have been filling up ambulances after abusing these legal stimulants, which are sold over the counter at shops.
“The message is just because it is herbal, doesn’t mean it is safe, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
People just need to ask themselves, how “twisted” do they really want to get? Twisted enough to need intensive care?.” he said.
Mr Johnston said the Big Day Out was well-run but participants needed to be aware of the demands that constant dancing and activity placed on their bodies, especially in warm weather.
“Its no criticism on the organisers. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. There is a threshold of what is safe to consume. There is clearly also an element of self responsibility here.”
Here are five essential tips from St John for a safe and enjoyable Big Day Out.
Ensure you cover up with sunblock and reapply it regularly throughout the day.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration particularly if you have been reasonably energetic during the day.
If you have been taking legal stimulants or alcohol, remember that these can mask your body’s normal warning signals. Remember to take regular breaks and ask your friends to look out for you.
Don’t exceed the maximium doses listed on the packets of legal stimulants. Treat them like alcohol – too much can make you very sick and it’s the same with these legal pills.
If you’re not feeling well, come and see St John. We won’t pass judgement and we’re more interested in your wellbeing rather than what you’ve been taking.
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