Leading this work is Rhys Ash, who joined us almost two years ago in his first NHS role, bringing with him more than five years of experience working in drug and alcohol services and supporting people with addiction and complex needs.

Before joining NWAS, Rhys was the harm reduction lead for Cumbria’s drug services, overseeing county-wide interventions to reduce harm and prevent drug-related deaths. That experience working closely with people at high risk has helped him shape the pathway now used across our 999 service.

“I’ve always been committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society,” Rhys says. “Addiction isn’t just about substances, it’s about mental health, life experiences and the world around us. My own past mental health struggles have given me a natural empathy for people dealing with addiction and risky drug use.”

The care pathway supports people who have survived an overdose involving substance misuse where opioids are a contributing factor. Once referred, patients are connected to tailored support which may include check-ins, counselling, harm reduction resources, and help with wider issues such as housing, employment and mental health.

“Without support, people who overdose are at high risk of overdosing again, often within a short space of time,” Rhys explains. “Each incident increases the risk of serious harm or death.”

Anyone who has had a non-fatal overdose that meets the criteria can be referred into the pathway. For patients under 18, our crews make safeguarding referrals while also referring them to adult services for harm reduction support.

By using the pathway when appropriate, our crews can help reduce repeat overdoses and prevent future incidents from becoming fatal. Over time, this also helps reduce repeat calls, freeing up ambulance crews to attend other life-threatening emergencies.

Rhys has already seen positive results from referrals made. “We’ve built strong links with local drug services. Some patients are no longer using street drugs, while others are finally getting the tailored support they’ve needed for years.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact overdoses can have on families and friends. This pathway recognises immediate risk and offers urgent support that simply wasn’t there before. Seeing someone’s life improve and hearing that they feel safer and more stable shows just how important this work is and keeps me motivated.”

A recent case study from a drug service shows the strong impact this pathway is already having on patients we refer. The patient had been homeless, using heroin daily, and at high risk of further overdoses. After referral, an immediate harm reduction assessment identified urgent health needs, leading to rapid medical support and temporary accommodation after hospital discharge. Within weeks, the patient began an opiate replacement prescription, moved into residential support, and is now drug free without needing substitutes. 

The non-fatal overdose pathway is an example of how our people are making a difference, not just in moments of crisis, but long after the ambulance has left the scene.

Rhys’ story is taken from our Your Call magazine, which can be read in the link below.