An inexpensive DVD resource for services training drug users, families and staff to administer Naloxone in the event of opiate overdose.

Naloxone has great potential to prevent overdose deaths, as a fast acting opiate 'antidote' in the hands of those who witness an overdose it can be a life saving intervention.

However, drawing up and giving an injection can be a daunting prospect, and naloxone provision must always be accompanied by training.

By showing a reconstruction of an overdose situation, coupled with interviews and explanation the Naloxone film is a perfect provider and take home reminder of the key issues that must be conveyed in training.

Going over – an award winning overdose prevention video

Going over is an award-winning overdose prevention video. It uses music, dramatised reconstructions of real-life overdose stories and a memorable recovery position demonstration to convey the key overdose prevention messages. Running time: 5 minutes (runs in a continuous loop).

The going over story
In 1999 We approached the Department of Health with a number of proposals to develop materials designed to enable drug services to raise the issue of overdose, and respond to it in a concerted way.

The overdose campaign materials are available online, in the publications section of this website. To see them click here.

We also won a competitive tender to make an overdose prevention video.

The going over video grew from a conviction that any resource aimed at drug users should avoid cliches. We watched what was then available, scripted stereotypical drug users making a series of bad decisions, their poly-drug use leading to fatal overdose, with 'expert' commentary from someone in a white coat. Instead we wanted to use the real voices of drug users who had witnessed overdoses to inform and educate the viewers.

We worked with Sledge, a West End video production company, more used to working on projects for the likes of Orange, Atomic Kitten and Ford. The aim was to make a visually compelling production that used actors to re-enact real life overdose situations as told by the people who were there, in a sharply intercut, pop video format.

We recorded about 20 interviews with current and former drug users, each recounting two, three or four experiences of having witnessed an overdose. Extracts from four of the stories were then edited and intercut with specially commisioned music to create a moving soundtrack.

The acted scenes, were filmed to fit with the soundtrack in the same way as pop video. This even included a 'chorus' sequence of a dancer appearing to put himself in the recovery position, making a stunning video with clear and unforgettable messages: using the recovery position and calling an ambulance saves lives. To view the video in Windows media player format click here [to follow].

The video was highly acclaimed and was well received by drug users who are instantly engaged by its authenticty, and simplicity of message. It swept the board at the International Video Communication Association (IVCA) ceremony in March 2003, winning:

- and in the overall video industry award for best communication, Going Over won the Bronze award!