ABSTRACT
The demographics of drug-related emergencies and drug-related deaths that occurred in Vienna between January 1st, 1995 and December 31st, 1997 were compared to investigate whether they represent two different subgroups of the drug-taking community. Analysis indicated that drug-related emergencies were significantly younger and that the proportion of females was higher than amongst the fatalities. In addition, emergencies were more likely than fatalities to occur in private residences than public places. No significant association between the number of contacts with the Vienna Ambulance Service and the fatal outcome of drug use could be substantiated. The results of this study indicate that drug-related emergencies and drug-related deaths represent two different subpopulations of the drug-taking community. Therefore, different strategies of prevention are considered.
