Victims Speak Out: Concerns Over Medical Response to Spiking Incidents
Two individuals who experienced spiking have voiced their dissatisfaction with the medical response they received, feeling as though they were unjustly held responsible for the incidents and denied necessary tests.
Imogen Turnbow and Saraya Haddad, both former students from Brighton, reported that when they sought help at an emergency department (A&E), they were not only refused drug testing but also discouraged from reporting the incidents to law enforcement. Ms. Turnbow recounted a distressing interaction with a 111 operator who suggested she should have been more cautious.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service, which oversees the 111 service in Sussex and Kent, expressed regret over these concerns and emphasized their commitment to addressing them seriously.
In a statement released in 2022, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine highlighted that A&E’s primary obligation is to address patients’ medical needs rather than collect forensic evidence.
A Disturbing Experience
During a night out in Brighton back in 2021, Ms. Turnbow described how she rapidly transitioned from being fully aware of her surroundings to waking up disoriented in an unfamiliar location. The 24-year-old recalled having no sensation in her leg and feeling utterly lost about what had transpired.
“I constantly find myself questioning what happened—who was I with? Where was I?” she lamented.
The following day, Ms. Turnbow visited Royal Sussex County Hospital’s A&E but was met with indifference; staff informed her there was nothing they could do and advised her to call the non-emergency line instead. Unfortunately, this line failed to return her call until much later than promised.
Feeling Blamed
Ms. Turnbow expressed frustration over how she felt treated during her phone call with the 111 service; after recounting her experience, she claimed a nurse told her it was essential for her to be more vigilant while going out—a comment that left Ms. Turnbow feeling victimized rather than supported.
“It felt like complete victim blaming,” she asserted. “I expected assistance from services designed for safety during such precarious situations.”
Ultimately overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty about what steps to take next, Ms. Turnbow chose not to report the incident to authorities.
In response, a spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service stated: “We take all concerns very seriously and would encourage Ms. Turnbow or anyone else affected by similar experiences to reach out so we can investigate further.”
Breaking Down Stigmas Around Spiking
Despite these challenges faced by victims like herself, Ms. Turnbow is advocating for others who have been spiked not to remain silent about their experiences.
“If we don’t speak up about it,” she warned, “it will continue happening without any accountability.”
According to Stamp Out Spiking—a charity dedicated against this crime—nearly 98% of victims choose not report such incidents due largely because of societal stigma surrounding spiking itself.
“People either doubt your story or dismiss it as something that just happens,” explained Ms. Turnbow.
While spiking isn’t classified as its own specific crime under UK law—it falls under various other legal statutes—the government has indicated that Section 24 of the Offences Against The Person Act (1861) addresses maliciously administering substances intended harmfully towards another individual; violations can lead up five years imprisonment if convicted.
Personal Accounts Highlight Need for Change
Saraya Haddad shared details regarding an incident where she fell victim while enjoying drinks at a bar prior performing on stage back in 2019.
Waking up thirteen hours later without recollection of events left Haddad bewildered; friends had taken care of getting her home safely after realizing something wasn’t right during their outing together.
Determined not let this go unnoticed,she sought help at A&E only feel shocked when staff declined requests test potential drugs used against them earlier on night out .
The Metropolitan Police indicate there are methods available through urine or blood samples within seven days post-spike detection—but many substances exit one’s system far quicker than anticipated making timely intervention crucial .
Haddad noted hospital personnel discouraged pursuing police involvement citing elapsed time since occurrence rendered action futile .
However ,she transformed trauma into art creating solo play aimed raising awareness around issue which premiered Edinburgh Fringe Festival emphasizing need education among youth regarding dangers associated drinking culture today .
She urged emergency departments implement routine screenings specifically targeting known spiking agents whenever possible .
Recognizing Symptoms & Reporting Issues
According information provided by Metropolitan Police symptoms indicative potential spike include:
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hallucinations/paranoia
- Disorientation/poor coordination
- Memory loss
- Loss ability communicate effectively
- Unconsciousness
For further guidance on recognizing signs related spikes visit Metropolitan Police.
Det Supt Andrew Harbour representing Sussex Police assured community members his force takes allegations concerning spikes extremely seriously pledging efforts bring offenders justice despite recent downward trends observed within county’s statistics surrounding offenses reported thus far .
He cautioned however some cases still remain unreported leading ongoing risks posed individuals vulnerable situations where vapes containing illicit drugs may be utilized alongside food items even chewing gum potentially facilitating acts malice perpetrated unsuspecting targets unaware danger lurking nearby .
A representative from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust clarified treatment protocols dictate patients receive care based presenting symptoms alone noting absence screening tests routinely employed unless warranted based upon clinical evaluations conducted upon arrival facility seeking assistance .
Intern at SMK University