Latest news with #ScottishAmbulanceService
STV News
2 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Government 'won't change law' to introduce more drug consumption rooms
The UK Government has said it won't change the law to make it easier to set up safe drug consumption rooms like the one that opened in Glasgow earlier this year – even if it's a success. The Thistle facility in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK, aimed at bringing down Scotland's high number of drug deaths. It opened at the start of the year, and Scottish health secretary Neil Gray said initial evidence 'suggests the facility is proving successful'. The facility has been used more than 2,500 times since opening five and a half months ago. Gray told Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee that the Scottish Ambulance Service has been called to the Hunter Street location seven times since January. He also said there have been 35 'medical emergencies' at the facility since it opened. Had those emergencies happened away from the facility, Gray said he believed the people involved in those medical emergencies would not have survived. However, despite what Gray sees as the Thistle's evidence of early success, UK Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said the law will not be changed to make it easier for other facilities like it to be opened. The Thistle facility was launched in Scotland following a decision by the Crown Office not to prosecute drug users, but there's uncertainty over its long-term legal status. The three-year pilot is only possible because the Lord Advocate has said prosecuting drug users who visit the site to inject isn't in the public interest. But under Westminster legislation, the facility still officially operates outside the law. On Wednesday, Scottish MPs were told that isn't going to change, despite reminding Johnson that it wasn't always what she believed. Asked if the Government could rethink that stance if the Thistle proves to be a success in driving down Scotland's high drug death rates, the minister said: 'We look at evidence, we have experts, we have the ACMD (advisory council on the misuse of drugs) who offer advice, we look at evidence all the time. 'But I just really want to be clear with you, we do not support drug consumption facilities, it's not our policy and we will not be amending the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Gray emphasised that he believes the Thistle is already saving lives, and the law should change, so other parts of the country can benefit. The Scottish Affairs Committee will publish its report on the Thistle later this year. MPs were promised that UK ministers will consider it carefully. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
2 days ago
- General
- The National
Paddleboarders rescued after drifting off Stonehaven coast
RNLI crews were called to the scene shortly after 8pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of four paddleboarders who had drifted out to sea in strong winds off Catterline Harbour in Stonehaven. The Stonehaven RNLI volunteer crew launched a lifeboat at 8.15pm on Tuesday. They found the first paddleboarder before making their way towards the three remaining paddleboarders who had drifted further out to sea. READ MORE: More than 140 jobs at Scottish chemical plant face redundancy, union bosses warn The lifeboat was able to locate all four paddleboarders and transferred them onto the lifeboat for initial casualty care. They were then taken to Catterline Harbour where they were handed over to the care of HM Coastguard and the Scottish Ambulance Service. The HM Coastguard also called on the Montrose RNLI crew to support the rescue. These volunteers were stood down at 9.34pm after they located a missing paddleboard to prevent any further call outs. Kenny Jones, volunteer helm at Stonehaven RNLI, said: "Thankfully the casualties had their mobile phones with them and knew to call the coastguard when they got into difficulties. READ MORE: Britain was 'extension of Scotland', suggest medieval texts uncovered by historian "The weather conditions off our coast can change really quickly and what starts as an adventure can quickly go wrong. It is so important that people have the equipment and knowledge they need. "Life jackets, mobile phones, VHF radios and bright clothing are simple things people can buy to help their safety but knowledge of the tides, weather forecasts, local conditions and experience are crucial when planning a trip to enjoy our beautiful coastline. "If anyone sees someone in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Emergency services at Clydeside amid ongoing 'incident'
EMERGENCY services are dealing with an ongoing 'incident' at Glasgow's Clydeside. Crews, including police, ambulance, and firefighters, have been pictured on the Broomielaw between Jamaica Street and Oswald Street. A stretch of the walkway next to the River Clyde has also been taped off by cops. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) It is understood that this response follows reports of a person 'near to the water'. Images captured by the Glasgow Times show a large emergency service presence in the area. (Image: Newsquest) A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at around 10.52am on Saturday, May 31, 2025, to reports of a person near the water at the Broomielaw in Glasgow. "Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and two water rescue teams to the scene. "Crews are assisting Police Scotland in investigating." A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed they had received a report of a 'concern for a person' in this area. The Scottish Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment. This is a breaking news incident, we will give you more as we have it...
STV News
28-05-2025
- STV News
Cyclist's watch alerts emergency services after fall on remote trail
An injured cyclist was found on a remote trail in Aberdeenshire by emergency services after his watch raised the alarm. Braemar Mountain Rescue was called after the 61-year-old cyclist fell in Glen Ey on Tuesday evening. The team was contacted by Police Scotland after the Scottish Ambulance Service received the alert from the man's watch. Following the fall, the man was able to pick himself up and make his way down the glen where he was met by family who were already searching for him. He was then taken back to his holiday accommodation. Five mountain rescue team members responded to the incident and initially searched the location given by his watch but were later told to assess the man at his holiday accommodation. Braemar Mountain Rescue team's operations manager, Malcolm MacIntyre, said the man had 'poor recollection' of what had happened and was advised to attend A&E. 'Despite the remoteness and narrowness of the glen, his Apple watch alert worked well, though there is not two-way communication on these devices, or at least not yet,' Mr MacIntyre said. A spokesperson for Braemar Mountain Rescue said: 'Call-out this evening for a biker who took a fall. 'Helmet trashed, but did its job. First time we've had a watch activate an emergency alert. 'Wishing the casualty a swift and full recovery.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Two taken to hospital after crash near Huntly in Aberdeenshire
Two people have been taken to hospital - one by air ambulance - after a serious crash in services were alerted to the accident on the A96, to the west of Huntly, at about 10: Scottish Ambulance Service said three ambulances and an air ambulance were dispatched to the scene of a three-car casualty was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and another was taken by road to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.
