Two mothers whose sons died while on drugs are backing a "good Samaritan" member’s bill – giving legal protection to those experiencing an overdose and the people helping them.
Green MP Kahurangi Carter's Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill passed its first reading in Parliament in April. The bill would provide legal protection for anyone experiencing an overdose or adverse drug reaction, or calling emergency services for help, or remaining at the scene.
On Wednesday, Joanna Newton told a Health Select Committee that knowing what drugs her son had taken and when "would have been crucial information that could have made a life-saving difference".
Mothers say the fear of calling 111 has cost their sons' lives - Watch on TVNZ+
"The people fled to protect themselves,” she said.
Shelley O’Dwyer – whose 24-year-old son Jacob Gunnell died following an adverse reaction to LSD in 2022 – said he would still be alive had emergency services been called.
"I think my son would be still here today if that person knew that she wouldn't get in trouble," O’Dwyer told 1News.
"We need to make a law change to save lives."
There was a spate of suspected GHB overdoses in the Wellington region last week.
Last Friday, one person died and three others were in hospital following five suspected overdoses of the drug – also known as GHB or liquid ecstasy – across the capital. The incidents occurred across the district, spanning Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville and Upper Hutt. A fifth person was treated and discharged from medical care.
A sixth person was suspected of overdosing in Wainuiomata overnight on Sunday.
"While we see harm from it quite regularly, it is unusual to see so many in a single 24-hour period," High Alert supervisor Jen Vermeulen said.
She said the number of overdoses could be either an indication of a larger batch of the drug currently being available or an increase in its use.
Police urged extreme caution as an investigation into the source continued.
Shelley O'Dwyer said her son Jacob Gunnell had "so much to live for" before his death in 2022 following a negative reaction to LSD. (Source: Breakfast)
GHB — commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy — is a central nervous system depressant that produces euphoric, relaxing effects, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. It presents as a clear, oily liquid and is typically mixed with water or soft drinks.
It is particularly dangerous because the difference between the desired effect and a fatal overdose could be a matter of millilitres, and potency could vary significantly between batches.
The risk increased when users re-dosed too soon or mixed the substance with alcohol or other depressants.
"You want to be very careful with your dosage because it is so easy to overdose and finally, just avoid taking it with other substances and make sure that you're not alone," Vermeulen said.
The Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said it was vital for users to call for help if needed without fear of police action.
"Unfortunately, they're scared that they're going to get into trouble. So, they delay or they don't seek help and those moments can cost people's lives," Helm said.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he had yet to receive any advice on backing the good Samaritan bill.
"You don't know who the defence has been created for," he said.
SHARE ME