Despite widespread fears about the use of crystal methamphetamine, paramedics are being called to fewer ice-related incidents in Hume and Whittlesea.
According to a new report detailing the 2013-14 financial year, four per cent – or 53 incidents – of all call-outs to people under the influence of the drug ice in metropolitan Melbourne were in Hume.
The figure is a slight improvement on the previous 12 months when paramedics attended 60 Hume cases – five per cent of ice call-outs.
The report by the Fitzroy-based Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was based on Ambulance Victoria records.
It found the improved trend was more noticeable in Whittlesea, where paramedics were called to just 28 people under the influence of ice in 2013-14 – down from 40 in the previous year.
Whittlesea-based paramedic Ward Young said it was difficult to make an assessment of the prevalence of ice use in Hume or Whittlesea because staff were not confined to one area but traversed the city.
He said Whittlesea township and Doreen were hotspots for drug-related incidents. “We’ve been to a few recreational drug problems out there, and I think it’s because you’ve got a young population – the area is booming,” Mr Young said.
According to the report, Melbourne had the highest rate of ice-related ambulance attendances, followed by Frankston and Port Phillip.
But the statistics have not allayed community concerns.
This week, the Broadmeadows Progress Association will hold an alcohol and drugs forum that will focus on ice. Association member Sonja Rutherford said the forum had been organised to educate and discuss preventive measures.
“We want a discussion and a debate about it,” she said.
The association will present a petition requesting the implementation of a report written by children’s magistrate Jennifer Bowles that called for secure residential treatment for young people with significant drug, alcohol or mental health issues.
The forum will be at the Hume Global Learning Centre on August 29 from 11am-1pm.
Details: email coaction@iprimus.com.au
