Ice training boosts safety for frontline staff

Frontline workers in Victoria will receive training in how to most effectively and safely respond to people affected by the drug ice.

New Turning Point analysis of alcohol- and other drug-related ambulance attendances during 2014–15 shows a 29% increase in attendances for illicit substances, particularly methamphetamine, which increased by 48%.

Training will help staff to manage chaotic and violent behaviour typically associated with the use of ice, better protecting their personal safety.

The courses will be specifically tailored to each workforce and will be rolled out over the next four years to paramedics, nurses, human services workers, emergency services workers, teachers and pharmacy employees across the state.

The government’s Ice Action Plan also includes an online training package and more support for managers and supervisors to support frontline staff.

“Our frontline workers deserve to feel safe at work so they can do their job treating patients and saving lives,” said Minister for Health Jill Hennessy.

“This training is an important tool for our paramedics, nurses, doctors and social workers who are working at the coalface of this challenging issue.”

The government will also provide more support to reduce the harm associated with injecting drug use by increasing access to the Victoria Needle and Syringe Program.

Five additional providers will receive a $30,000 one-off grant to expand access to equipment at Corio, Werribee, Morwell, Mildura and Shepparton — helping services extend the hours of access and engage with more users.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley joined nurses who took part in the first training session, organised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

“We know the challenges our frontline workers face when dealing with people affected by ice — this training will help ensure they can provide support safely,” said Foley.

“We’ll continue to work with health services and local communities to ensure we have a coordinated approach to tackling ice.”

For more information, go to www.health.vic.gov.au/icetraining.