Ambulance service urges Christmas party goers to learn new ‘spiking first aid’

St John Ambulance is encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with "spiking first aid" in preparation for the festive season.

The organisation emphasised the importance of understanding what to do if someone falls victim to spiking - unknowingly consuming alcohol or drugs administered by another person.

Spiking can occur through drinks, needle injections, or even via vapes and cigarettes. Symptoms may include feeling excessively drunk or drowsy, mental confusion, slurred speech, memory loss, lowered inhibitions, nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

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More severe symptoms could involve muscle spasms, seizures, unconsciousness, or an intense hangover after minimal alcohol consumption.

St John's new guidelines suggest keeping victims hydrated with small, frequent sips of water, ensuring they are safe and accompanied at all times.

If spiking is suspected, bar staff and police should be alerted, including any suspicious activity. If the victim becomes unresponsive, they should be placed in the recovery position and an ambulance called.

The public is also advised to learn CPR in case of respiratory failure.

A recent poll involving 2,000 UK participants for St John's new Switch on to Spiking campaign revealed that 23% of individuals aged between 18 and 43 believe they have "definitely" been spiked, with the figure rising to 41% when including those who thought they had "possibly" been spiked.

Dr Lynn Thomas, the organisation’s medical director, commented: "Our latest research shows this awful crime continues to blight people’s social lives when they are simply wanting to go out and enjoy time together.

"While we fully support