The peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand says governments should support a pill testing trial as part of a harm reduction strategy.
Acknowledging the recent discussion in the public, media and among politicians over pill testing, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) believes that with its members assessing and treating patients attending an emergency department for suspected drug overdose, a pill testing trial should be considered as part of a wider harm minimisation strategy.
ACEM President Dr Simon Judkins said: “There is enough evidence out there to support pill testing in the Australian environment. The results from the ACT trial in 2018 indicate that the supports associated with the testing, as well as the test results, have a positive impact on a young person's decision whether to use the pills they have with them.
“The report from the ACT trial and evidence from overseas suggests pill testing should be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce harm.”
ACEM joins the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian Medical Association expressing alarm and concern over the number of drug-related deaths at music festivals, and calls to give pill testing a go.
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
Contact
Andre Khoury
ACEM Public Affairs Manager
03 8679 8813
0498 068 023
[email protected]