Activities:

Before viewing
Depending on age, stage and level of ability, the following are ways of optimising the use of the film. See programme outline for specific areas of focus and timing

Six people admitted to A & E with suspected drugs or alcohol-related problems. On duty: Drs Rob Hunter (senior), Dave Maklin, Kate Clerk.
1. Divide the class into small groups and ask each group to focus particularly on one of the following: (alternatively give each group one character)

a) Grant and Ben
b) John and the two girls
c) Junior and Michael

After viewing
1. Build up a flow chart showing how each person is treated using the following:

• Why was each admitted?
• What was causing the problem each had?
• How serious was it?
• Was there any problem about treating the person?
• What decisions did the doctor make? What were the risks?
• What decisions did the patient make? What were the risks?

2. Take each patient in turn and discuss:

• the similarities and differences for people using the same substance
• whether anything surprised you about patient or doctor behaviour
• what will happen if the patient continues with use/drug lifestyle
• where could they get help to quit their use/addiction
• where they could get help to reduce harm.

Key questions
1. Was there anything the film made them think about that they hadn't thought about before?

2. Has it made them look at heroin, cannabis, ecstasy or alcohol in a new light?