First Response, Real Impact: An Ambulance Driver Talks Substances

Watch Our Exclusive Interview With a Frontline Ambulance Driver on the Realities of Substance Use

Substance misuse, be it misusing drugs or misusing alcohol, is a crisis that touches millions of lives across the UK, yet much of the public discussion focuses on statistics, sensational headlines, or abstract concepts. Rarely do we get a clear picture of what happens on the front line, where lives are at risk, families are affected, and emergency responders witness the immediate consequences of substance misuse.

Emergency responders are often the first professionals to encounter people in severe crisis due to alcohol or drug use. Ambulance drivers witness patterns that many people don’t see: overdoses in homes, accidents caused by impaired judgement, violent incidents, and mental health emergencies triggered or worsened by substances.

The fascinating and eye-opening perspective within this interview highlights a critical reality: substance misuse isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal challenge. Ambulance drivers, paramedics, and other first responders have a unique understanding of how widespread the impact of addiction really is.

In our latest interview, we sat down with experienced ambulance driver, Andres Rositi, who has responded to emergencies caused by addiction and substance abuse.

The Role of Frontline Responders

Ambulance drivers, paramedics, and other frontline emergency personnel stand on the very edge of crisis response, often arriving first at the scene when someone’s life hangs in the balance. Their role goes far beyond administering medical care; it encompasses emotional resilience, compassion under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the public, even at great personal risk.

A vital presence in moments of chaos

When an emergency call comes in, responders must act within seconds. They never know what they’re walking into: a chaotic overdose scene, a distressed family, or a life-threatening medical emergency, yet they remain calm and composed. Their ability to make rapid, accurate assessments under pressure can mean the difference between life and death. They handle complex cases where addiction, mental health, and physical crisis intersect, often making critical decisions before a doctor ever sees the patient.

Emotional toll and mental strain

What many don’t see is the emotional cost of the work. Paramedics and ambulance crews routinely witness trauma, tragedy, and human suffering, experiences that can take a serious toll on their own mental health. Dealing with repeated overdose incidents or returning to the same individuals time and again can leave responders feeling helpless, frustrated, or emotionally drained. Yet they continue to show up, day after day, guided by duty and compassion. Many take part in peer-support networks or mental health initiatives within their services to help them process what they see and protect their own wellbeing.

Safety and resilience on the frontline

Frontline responders also face physical risks in unpredictable environments, working in unsafe locations, responding to calls where substances or volatile behaviour are involved, and operating under time pressure. Despite this, they remain professional and empathetic, focusing on stabilising the situation and ensuring everyone’s safety. Their bravery and composure in these moments often go unrecognised, but they are truly the unsung heroes of the public health system.

Harm reduction and connection

Beyond immediate care, many responders serve as educators and advocates for harm reduction. They take the time to offer practical advice on where to seek longer-term help. These brief conversations can plant the seeds of recovery and make individuals feel seen rather than judged.

Data, insight, and the bigger picture

Because they’re out in the community every day, emergency responders notice patterns, from new drug trends to areas with rising overdose rates. Their insights feed into public health strategies and shape initiatives that save lives on a larger scale. They’re not just responding to crises; they’re actively helping to prevent future ones.

By hearing directly from these frontline heroes, viewers can gain a powerful understanding of the human side of emergency work, the courage, compassion, and quiet sacrifice that go into every shift. Their stories remind us that addiction and mental health challenges are not just medical issues, but human ones that require empathy, awareness, and collective effort.

We want to thank Andres for taking the time to speak with us and share valuable insights into what ambulance and frontline workers deal with on a daily basis. 

To learn more about how these professionals make a difference and how you can support them, explore opportunities with the London Ambulance Service Volunteer Programme or connect with the charity (TASC).

The Misconceptions About Substance Use

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the interview is how the ambulance driver challenges common myths about addiction. Many people assume that substance misuse only affects certain demographics, but in reality, it can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, or social status.

Key misconceptions include:

  1. Addiction is a choice: Addiction is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Many people are in crisis because of underlying mental health conditions, trauma, or lack of support.
  2. Substance misuse is always obvious: Some of the most dangerous cases come from people whose struggles aren’t visible. Prescription medication misuse, hidden alcohol dependence, or emerging drug trends often fly under the radar.
  3. Family and friends can’t help: Early support can make a significant difference. Timely interventions from loved ones prevented life-threatening crises.

By addressing these myths, we can approach substance misuse with empathy, understanding, and practical awareness rather than judgement.

Understanding Early Warning Signs

Recognising indicators of addiction or substance abuse can prevent emergencies and encourage timely intervention. Some of the signs that substance misuse may be escalating include:

  1. Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality
  2. Withdrawal from social and family activities
  3. Unexplained injuries or frequent accidents
  4. Secretive behaviour around medications or alcohol
  5. Financial difficulties related to substance use

By understanding these signs, friends, family, and professionals can take proactive steps to guide someone toward help before a crisis occurs.

The Ripple Effect: Families, Communities, and Emergency Services

Substance misuse doesn’t exist in isolation. It affects families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities. A single incident can ripple outward, causing emotional and financial strain for those around the individual.

For example:

  1. Families experience trauma: Witnessing a loved one in crisis, being involved in repeated emergency calls, or coping with addiction-related behaviour takes a profound emotional toll.
  2. Communities are impacted: Overdoses, public intoxication, and substance-related accidents affect community safety and can overwhelm local emergency services.
  3. Emergency services face burnout: Ambulance drivers, paramedics, and other frontline staff often deal with repeated exposure to distressing situations, which can affect mental health and job performance.

This interview shines a light on this interconnected impact, emphasising that supporting someone with substance misuse challenges benefits not just the individual but everyone around them.

Practical Advice for Support

Actionable advice for anyone supporting someone struggling with substance use includes:

  1. Listen without judgement: Often, the first step toward recovery is feeling heard and understood.
  2. Encourage professional support: Rehab, therapy, and medical assistance are crucial for recovery. Early intervention increases the likelihood of long-term success.
  3. Stay informed: Educating yourself about the substances being used, their effects, and potential risks can help you respond effectively.
  4. Maintain boundaries: Supporting someone doesn’t mean enabling harmful behaviour. Balance compassion with accountability.

These practical steps can empower people to take a constructive role in helping someone struggling with addiction while preserving their own wellbeing.