Posted on 03/07/2004 6:53:43 PM PST by quantim
Ten people are in a serious condition in hospital after overdosing on the party drug known as Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) during a Melbourne rave early today.
Metropolitan Ambulance Service spokesman James Howe said paramedics were repeatedly called to the dance party at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena from 1am (AEDT) until 8am today following reports people had collapsed unconscious after taking GBH.
"Nine people, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to various Melbourne hospitals throughout the night," Mr Howe said.
Another man, in his 20s, was in a critical condition in the Alfred hospital but later stabilised.
"Upon arrival at various intervals throughout the night, all 10 were found unconscious.
"This drug is a depressant and could be lethal if the wrong dose is taken. These people are very, very sick," Mr Howe said.
All 10 people were ventilated by ambulance crews before being taken to hospital, Mr Howe said.
"Another problem with this drug is that people take it with other drugs and what they don't realise is, is that they could die from this.
"GBH is an apt name for this drug because that is exactly what it does."
Mr Howe said symptoms include seizures, tiredness, intoxication and muscle aches.
Thousands of people were at the rave party organised by Future Entertainment called TwoTribes2004, Mr Howe said.
"This pretty well sucked our resources dry last night and it was a real waste of paramedics' time," Mr Howe said.
Comment was being sought from Future Entertainment.
Look at www.partysafe.org for a clue. Let me know what you think.
Our philosophy is called harm reduction. Here is where you can find straightforward, neutral information about the risks of partying and what you can do about them. No guilt trips or scare tactics. Our motto is "Just Say Know."
Fair enough, but a philosophy of 'harm reduction' - that's one of the most unintentionally funny things I have ever read.
Maybe they meant 'risk reduction?' By 'harm reduction' they are conceding that the behavior is indeed 'harmful' and are only distinguishing between levels of 'acceptable' harm.
I don't drink and have never smoked ciagrettes, and never taken drugs either. I have been known to enjoy a cigar several times a year at a poker game or if I am on the strip with friends.
I might be a boring guy to these ravers, but I have reduced my harm a whole lot! Sheesh!
Well here's a helpful hint: 6 Be sure your friends know what you're taking. Write "GHB" on your hand so that if you need help medical personnel will know what to do.
Lots of helpful hints on taking recreational drugs while on AIDS medication.
I don't know where anybody got the idea that AIDS might simply be the result of immune system failure due to chronic drug abuse...Rolls eyes.
I just completed LE training in drug culture and recognition. GBH, if I remember (without consulting notes) was introduced as a floor wax-stripping solvent in the late 50's. Somehow, someone got the idea to drink it!? There are instructions available on how to distill the chemical from industrial stuff for ingestion...on that site somewhere.
Rave culture is a sexual predator's paradise: Esta's drives users to crave physical contact, and stupefies to boot. Savvy diddlers and rapists (there are several varieties of drugs often included in "E" that are considered date-rape substances) hang out at these venues to take advantage of naive yoots who can't say no.
There's good info at www.bad4you.com. That's the outfit that taught the course.
According to the presenter, Al Quaeda money has been found financing fake "E" that kills the users. The compound accelerates the metabolism to the extent that the body cooks itself.
The whole thing is nuts. Evil. Nuts. What a world.
While I think using GHB in beyond stupid, if paramedics believe they are wasting their time helping people, maybe it's time for them to look for another job. Wonder if they feel the same way about helping some fat slob that has a heart attack.
Well if you want to get really paranoid: Its rumored that Chavez has has moved a Cuban bio-weapons facility to Venezuela. Chavez trades guns for dope with Columbia's FARC. Now, what better way to clandestinely and simultaneously introduce a bioweapon into America's urban centers than to spike the drug supply with a bioweapon. After all, these materials are being smuggled directly into the bloodstreams and noses of America.
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