Substance Use Disorders
This section provides EMS professionals with resources and training focused on identifying, managing and responding to patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Articles cover recognition of drug and alcohol use in the field, treatment best practices, harm reduction strategies, and the evolving role of EMS in the opioid crisis. Learn how to address provider safety, compassion fatigue and stigma, while improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care and community partnerships.
Colorado’s community naloxone distribution program faces a financial shortfall as state funding dwindles, raising concerns for overdose prevention efforts
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In the right patient, with a solid understanding of the pharmacology and a plan to address potential side effects, ketamine can be an incredibly useful tool for EMS
Glastonbury Fire Chief Michael Thurz said the firefighter’s off-duty comment “blemished the organization”
The video shows an off-duty Glastonbury firefighter saying Narcan should not be used and “when people overdose, you let them die”
Deputies said blood began to pour out of the EMT’s nose after he was kicked in the face
“The First Step Program” will offer individuals an opportunity to get help without the fear of arrest or having to worry about a lack of health insurance
Recovery Centers of America officials say the program is the first of its kind in Indiana
Two of the providers were cited for allegedly witnessing the incident and not preventing or reporting it
Authorities say the suspect kicked the EMS provider in the chest and threatened to kill the crew
Officials said the man pointed the gun at the firefighters who had just given him Narcan
The unit will be composed of a police officer, a paramedic, a behavioral health caseworker and a social worker
Peer recovery specialists and a community paramedic offer patients paths to treatment after overdose calls
The expanding Health One program provides on-scene care to those experiencing mental illness, homelessness and chronic health problems
Police said the woman, Nastasia Snape, 23, was found to be in possession of a synthetic drug called T salts
Eagle County Paramedic Services launches a naloxone distribution program to help treat opioid overdoses in homes
Police said the man’s BAC was .184
Officials said the bags contained equipment, narcotics and ambulance keys
Oakland officials also plan to send non-police responders to other nonviolent calls such as public intoxication calls and wellness checks
The 911 operator and EMT says he was placed on limited duty after being prescribed medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease
New Britain EMS is coordinating with social services and homeless outreach workers for a new citywide campaign
The dashboard uses EMS data to map monthly calls and responses
Two AMR paramedics were among the injured
EMS incident data also showed a slight increase in incidents involving alcohol in May
The driver of the car that collided with the Prisma Ambulance was charged with DUI; the crew sustained minor injuries
The pilot program launched Tuesday after being delayed for more than a year
The driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the ambulance is accused of driving under the influence
Prosecutors said Michael Greenhaw, 43, put patients in danger when he stole the fentanyl and replaced it with saline
A paramedic was charged with embezzlement after it was discovered he allegedly stole a vial of a controlled substance from an ambulance that was not in use
Bill sponsor Sen. Daniel Thatcher said Utah could become the first state to have teams of EMS professionals specifically trained and licensed to respond to behavioral health emergencies
Appleton Firefighter Mitchell Lundgaard was fatally shot by a patient in May 2019 while responding to a report of a seizure
The CARESTAR Foundation grants supported organizations, projects and programs focused on improving emergency response across California
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