Wearable Overdose Detection Devices and Alert System (WODDAS)

Cranstoun, Worcestershire’s Drug and Alcohol treatment provider, in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, St Paul’s Hostel and Queen’s University Belfast, are embarking on a pioneering pilot project aimed at developing cutting-edge technology to mitigate the risk of fatal accidental drug overdoses.

The project, focused on wearable overdose detection devices, represents a significant step forward in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and addressing a critical health concern.

The project delivers a wearable device for people who use drugs. It is designed to detect changes in vital signs among individuals at risk of fatal accidental drug overdoses, while they reside in St Pauls. These devices are equipped to send alerts to on-site staff, who will then promptly respond, administer necessary emergency care, including naloxone, and summon emergency services if required. A successful proof of concept was demonstrated by Queens University in Belfast.

Fatal overdoses are increasing year on year, with the UK having some of the highest levels of drug related deaths across Europe. Deaths within supported accommodation facilities, often known as ‘hostels,’ remain a significant concern. These new wearable devices have been designed to intervene and prevent unobserved overdoses from resulting in fatalities.

The pilot project is a collaboration using the technical expertise of Manchester Metropolitan University, the extensive knowledge about drug treatments held by Cranstoun with St Paul’s hostel providing the setting and ongoing support to the at-risk group. Queen’s University Belfast’s role is to provide the project evaluation. Together this project has the potential to save lives and transform the landscape of drug overdose prevention.

Key Project Partners

Dr Li Guo

Dr Li Guo, a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology. His research is particularly centred on applying AI to health solutions, such as developing wearable devices aimed at monitoring biometric data to prevent health crises like opioid overdoses. AI algorithms in these devices can track vital signs and send alerts in emergency situations. Dr Guo also works on AI-driven medical image analysis and machine learning to improve healthcare diagnostics and treatment outcomes. His contributions span interdisciplinary projects where AI enhances public health and safety.

Fliss James

Fliss James, Hostel Manager at St Paul’s Hostel for the past three years, brings 11 years of experience within the organisation, previously working in Outreach, Project Management, and as Trauma-Informed Practice Manager. She manages a dedicated staff team, maintaining a psychologically informed environment and implementing effective interventions that prioritise resident safety, support, and well-being. Her focus is on creating a safe and welcoming community where individuals feel supported in sharing and addressing complex issues without judgement.

Dr Anne Campbell

Dr Anne Campbell is a Professor in Substance use at Queens University Belfast. She has established an international reputation for work within the drugs and alcohol sector. Her combined work in both arenas has resulted in distinctive and leading research at UK Government level drug policy and practice reform. She is currently working on ‘wearables technology ’ to detect opioid overdose, labelling for alcohol products using face recognition software and women and harm reduction approaches.
Notably, she has also co–authored a number of UK ACMD research papers, for example; A review of Naloxone 2022, Drugs Use and Homelessness 2019, ACMD (2020) and Novel Benzodiazepines: A review of the evidence of use and harms of Novel Benzodiazepines (2020). She is also co-leading on two forthcoming reports in 2024; Cocaine use in the UK and Ethnic Minorities and Drug use report, all of which feed into changes in UK policy.

Matthew Burke

Matthew Burke is the Service and Registered Manager at Cranstoun Worcestershire, having responsibility in ensuring the effective delivery of interventions to the 3000+ adults and young people in contact with the service who use or are affected by drugs or alcohol . He has a strong interest in the implementation of effective harm reduction and treatment interventions that support and safeguard people who use drugs or alcohol. With 14 years of experience in the field he has a commitment to ensuring his service delivers compassionate care that helps those who often have no-one else to turn to. Being a member of the County's drug and alcohol related death forum, he has grown increasingly interested in the expansion and implementation of new technology and approaches that allow people to use drugs or alcohol more safely and reduce harm.

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