Is your child off to university?

[endofthelinefinally]

I post a similar thread every year, so apologies to those who have read this before.

Can I suggest that you make sure your child does a basic first aid course before they leave home? So that they can learn how to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Make sure they find out where the local A&E and walk in centre is. How and when to get help if necessary.
What to do if their friend has too much to drink, has their drink spiked, takes something they shouldn't.
It is really important.
My son would be alive if his mate had just known how to put him in the recovery position. Such a simple thing to learn that could save a life.

I'm so, so sorry for the loss of you undoubtedly lovely DS. I can't begin to imagine what they loss must be like for you.

I've noted what you've said and I will indeed talk to DS

Wise words
So sorry for your loss

so sorry for your loss.

Can I add, exchange parental contact details with your friends/flatmates, strictly for emergency use of course and hopefully never needed.

And look after each other, especially in the early weeks.

I'm so sorry @endofthelinefinally .

Thank you for this thread. Yes, dd off to uni in September. I have noted your suggestions and yours too @redspottedmug.

She'll still be 17 when she goes and although very sensible, her generation missed a fair bit of age and stage stuff due to Covid.

Thanks for this reminder. My DD has trained with St John and I am glad she has that basic knowledge, but I will make sure she knows these aspects.
My heart breaks for your loss.

Thanks for the reminder and I'm so very sorry for your loss.

My DS has done some First Aid with Explorers, it is helpful to know that they have done knowledge.

Yesterday after talking to him about this thread we looked up where to register at the GP and talked about the recovery position. So thank you OP, your post has helped us x

Thanks for the reminder - like @SiouxsieSiouxStiletto ours did First Aid with Explorers but regular refreshers are important.

@endofthelinefinally thank you for making the regular effort to remind people- must be so tough to re live the what if each year.

So sorry for your loss.
I agree with your thinking.

I also agree with this
Can I add, exchange parental contact details with your friends/flatmates, strictly for emergency use of course and hopefully never needed.

What a sad, but very important thread!

I was planning on sending DD off with a first aid kit, but will now be teaching her about the recovery position, etc. Thank you @endofthelinefinally, I'm so sorry to read about your DS.

I'm so sorry for your loss, OP. We could well have ended up the same as you, but luckily one of DD's friends had the sense to phone for an ambulance when she realised DD really wasn't right after having had too much to drink - she ended up fighting for her life in intensive care, and if her friend hadn't phoned, who knows.

Totally agree with what you say, if only some basic knowledge passed on and also not to be afraid to ask/call for help if something just isn't right. Also, to let others have your parents telephone number, no one knew how to contact us (she was on a year abroad).

She'd prepared all the drinks so we know they weren't spiked, she just obviously had far in excess of what her body could take. Her friends had the same amount and it didn't make any of them so ill, so you just never know.

Moving forward, occasionally she'll have half a glass as a toast/to be sociable, but basically she's given up alcohol.