To be safe, cocaine use should be avoided. However, if you use or know someone who is using cocaine, remember the following:
- Because using cocaine can have harmful effects, users can find themselves in dangerous situations. Therefore, they should not be left alone.
- If you suspect any bad effects, call an ambulance immediately, police are not required to attend unless a death has occurred or the ambulance officers are threatened. Don’t delay, you could save a life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what drug the person has taken. If the user is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the recovery position and ensure the airway is clear. If they have stopped breathing, provide Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR).
- It is safer not to inject drugs. If, however, you or someone you know does inject, use clean equipment (needle, syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water) and don’t share gear. Fitpacks® which contain clean syringes are available from:
- most pharmacies;
- needle and syringe exchange programs. (For information on opening times and locations of these programs phone the Alcohol and Drug Information Service); and
- some regional hospitals, health centres and nursing posts.