This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In 2011, fatal drug overdoses in the UK (3,338) exceeded the number of road accident deaths (1,960). These deaths are preventable. Jamie joins us to talk about how rethinking both product design and service design have the potential to save lives in the administration of overdose medication. Naloxone was developed in the 1960s to counter the effects of heroin overdose. It’s a staple part of ambulance crew kits, but those who need it face barriers to the drug at the point at which it could save their lives. Recently, there has been a shift in focus and design to ensure that naloxone is available to those likeliest to witness an overdose – drug users, their families and friends. The evidence shows that naloxone works, and that drug users can be empowered to save the lives of their friends.

Jamie Bridge is a passionate advocate for drug services and drug policy reform in order to protect the rights, health and well-being of vulnerable people around the world. 

Jamie Bridge is Senior Policy Manager at the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) – a global network that promotes debate about our approach to drugs. Jamie also runs the “Support. Don’t Punish” campaign. Prior to joining IDPC, Jamie was Technical Officer at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva. He began his career at the drug services in Bedford, before earning an MSc in Drug Policy and moving on to Harm Reduction International (HRI) in London. Jamie is currently on the HRI Board of Directors, and is also Chair of the National Needle Exchange Forum (NNEF).