THE need for medics to update their knowledge on how to treat so-called recreational drug users is something that should concern everyone.

It shows how the nature of these drugs, often passed as ecstasy but the contents of which are unknown to buyers, changes from one week to the next, and the danger to those who take them are also different.

If it is not known what is in the drug, then it can be difficult to know how to treat someone having a reaction.

There have been too many deaths from these pills, given catchy names in the same way a legitimate company would market legal and safe products, and spread through word of mouth.

The specific dangers associated with each type of pill, whether its called Green Rolex or Mortal Kombat, may not be known, but what is as clear now, as it has been year on year, is these drugs are dangerous and can be fatal.

The only way to be safe is to avoid taking them and for police and medical staff to be constantly aware of the changing nature of drug use and marketing.

We must stay one step ahead of the dealers.