OVERDOSE APP IS A LIFESAVER

Tech could help tackle rising drug deaths

- SARAH VESTY

A LIFE-SAVING drugs overdose response app which sends out an alert to people carrying naloxone is set to be launched across the country.

Derek Monaghan and a team of developers hope the NaloFly mobile phone app will help tackle the country's ongoing drugs crisis.

The 50-year-old ScotRail worker, from Glasgow, was inspired to create the special software, which works with GPS maps, after losing friends to opioid overdoses.

The self-funded project, which has received backing from drug charities, partially launched last week, allowing naloxone carriers to download the app.

After enough people have registered, Derek hopes they can open it to members of the public, who can use it to raise the alarm of potential overdoses.