Drug identification expertise helps save lives

When nine people were rushed to hospital following a group overdose on an unknown substance, ChemCentre scientists played an important role and worked with medical staff to help save their lives.

ChemCentre experts worked quickly to identify the substance within hours of the patients being admitted. Contrary to what police and health authorities first thought, ChemCentre scientists successfully identified the substance to be hyoscine—similar to an over the counter product used to treat seasickness. However, in this case, the product had been converted to a powder and ingested nasally-a potentially lethal means of consumption.

The work done by ChemCentre to rapidly identify the substance which had been taken, ensured the correct life-saving treatment could be administered by medical staff.

Postal address

ChemCentre
PO Box 1250
BENTLEY DC WA 6983

t: (08) 9422 9800
f: (08) 9422 9801
e: enquiries@chemcentre.wa.gov.au

ABN : 40 991 885 705

Street address

ChemCentre
Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar
Resources and Chemistry Precinct
Corner Manning Road and Townsing Drive
Bentley WA 6102

Reception: Level 2, South Wing, Building 500.

Deliveries: Ground floor - use Conlon Street entrance

ChemCentre