Drug Emergencies at parties

In Switzerland, as in other European countries, there have been several deaths at illegal parties because the emergency services were alerted too late or not at all.

What are the consequences of a medical emergency for those involved in an (illegal) party?

In principle, emergency medical services and the police are two independent organizations. This means that when an ambulance is called, the police are not automatically dispatched. This only happens if the emergency medical services deem an impending call "potentially dangerous." Furthermore, when calling emergency medical services, it is always possible not to mention any potential use of illegal substances or an illegal party, but instead to simply describe the condition of the person in need (e.g., "unresponsive and breathing shallowly"). Emergency services are also bound by professional confidentiality, which means that, in principle, no legal consequences will arise from their actions. Therefore, there is no need to fear immediate legal repercussions related to the use of illegal substances when calling emergency services.

Another factor that repeatedly leads to people not calling emergency services is the fear of the party being broken up. Even if this risk exists, a person's health and safety always takes precedence over a party!

The costs of an ambulance call-out are billed to the patient and, depending on the circumstances, are covered in full or in part by health insurance. However, these considerations should in no way deter you from calling an emergency doctor. Any financial difficulties can always be resolved somehow, but long-term health consequences or fatalities cannot.

What are the consequences if you fail to provide assistance in an emergency?

According to Article 128 of the Swiss Criminal Code, you are legally obligated to provide assistance or at least call for help if you encounter a person in a critical condition. Failure to do so can result in charges of failure to render assistance. Such offenses are punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to three years.

If you plan to use substances, inform your friends what and approximately how much you intend to consume. This will make it easier to help in case of an incident.
If you encounter someone who is clearly unwell, stay with them and accompany them until they are safe. If possible, involve other party guests, ideally friends of the person in distress, or the organizers and security. You don't have to act alone if you feel uncomfortable! In emergency situations, there are always people nearby who can support you. Make your presence known and approach people directly.
If possible, take the person to a quiet, safe place and stay with them until help arrives. Make sure the person can breathe freely and try to keep them awake.
If the person loses consciousness and no longer responds to stimuli (e.g., loud talking to them, painful stimuli), immediately call emergency services and place them in the recovery position. You can find simple instructions here. You can also discuss with the emergency number 144 whether an ambulance is truly necessary. Ask around nearby or on the dance floor if anyone has medical knowledge.
You don't have to give any information about substance use or the party when calling the emergency number 144. However, if possible, try to find out what was consumed, when, and how much. Medication and alcohol are also relevant! This information can be important for treatment – tell the paramedics what you know when they arrive. Paramedics are bound by confidentiality.
If someone is showing signs of substance use-related problems and you are unsure whether emergency services are needed, you can contact Toxinfo in Switzerland (Tel. 145 , 24/7). In the canton of Zurich, there is also the Aerztefon ( Medical Hotline) , which can be reached free of charge at 0800 33 66 55 (24/7). There you will receive medical advice over the phone, and the Aerztefon can help you decide whether an emergency doctor should be called.