Update: 16-year-old among seven hospitalised after suspected MDMA circulates Weekender

Monday 04 September 2017

Seven islanders - some as young as 16 - were rushed to hospital from the Weekender festival under the effects of drugs suspected to be MDMA.

Health officials claimed that the Emergency Department was "particularly busy" on Saturday night due to the urgent admissions, with less serious cases forced to wait longer than usual.

Seven islanders in total between the ages of 16 and 30 were taken to the Hospital on Saturday evening, while Express understands that a further four cases self-presented themselves at the premises.

Of those seven cases treated, one was admitted overnight and discharged the following day.

It comes less than a week after a number of young people were hospitalised after taking a stronger than usual batch of the so-called party drug, which can in some circumstances be fatal. 

On Friday, Police issued a warning to “act with extreme caution” given that the “potentially lethal” batch of the Class A drug could still be circulating in the island and that action would be taken against offenders, but medical teams at the music event nonetheless encountered individuals who appeared to be under the influence of the illegal substance. 

In a further safety notice, Police warned islanders on social media: “Please look after your drinks and don't leave them unattended and look out for your friends. If your friends appear under the influence of drugs or heavily intoxicated, please get them to a welfare area where they can be cared for and looked after.

The Alcohol and Drug Service has so far this year seen six referrals related to ecstasy/MDMA. It is routine that those who have become unwell after taking the drug are contacted and offered help and support following their discharge.

Health officials have since issued a further warning over the substance, which can leave users feeling lethargic and low in mood as the effects wear off. Longer-term users may develop depression and anxiety.

"Anyone who is considering taking ecstasy should bear in mind that there is no way of telling what’s in a tablet/capsule, as there is no ‘quality control’ on street drugs. Users will not know what ingredients make up an ecstasy tablet, nor its strength – recent batches circulating in Jersey have included a range of colours and designs, and some of these are stronger than average," a spokesperson said.

Pictured: Dancing for long periods under the influence of ecstasy can cause severe overheating and dehydration.

"Taking ecstasy involves risks; these risks increase if the tablets are considered to be strong. Ecstasy can affect the body’s temperature control; dancing in a hot atmosphere after taking it also increases the risk of overheating."

While the safest option is to steer well clear of the street drug, Health officials have given the following advice to those intending on taking it regardless:

• If you are going to use, take half a tablet and wait two to three hours to assess the effects prior to any redosing
• Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere such as a nightclub, especially coupled with summer heat, increases your chances of overheating and dehydration. Take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down and watch out for your friends – they might not realise they’re in danger of overheating or getting dehydrated
• Drinking too much can also be dangerous and drinking too quickly is liable to affect your body’s salt balance, which can be as hazardous as not drinking enough water. You should sip no more than a pint of water or a non-alcoholic drink every hour
• Avoid using alone and look out for your friends
• Avoid mixing ecstasy with other drugs (prescribed or not), including alcohol
• Seek immediate medical advice if you or your friends begin to feel unwell after taking ecstasy
• Anyone who has a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma is liable to have a dangerous reaction to ecstasy