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.
What you need to know about opioid overdose reversal drug nalmefene’s risks, effectiveness and clinical concerns
Discover how fentanyl test strips work, the obstacles to their widespread use and their impact on harm reduction
Limit your exposure and clean the ambulance and your clothing before heading home after shift to avoid contaminating your home and loved ones
As recreational marijuana shops open across the country, critics say children are at risk
The suspect was found to possess 20 guns and 4 grams of meth and had been considering stealing the fire truck and ambulance, Rochester police said
“Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose,” DEA says
Proper inventory, tracking and reporting on the use of these drugs protects both practitioners and patients
Tracking narcotics on paper leaves many gaps that can lead to major problems for any department or organization
The claim has prompted Town Council to rethink the contract with the Hermon Volunteer Rescue & First Aid Squad
Among reported cases, over half of the children were toddlers; symptoms include drowsiness, breathing problems, fast heart rate and vomiting
The National Crime Prevention Council sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling for an investigation into the social platform
Lisa Sillins, 55, was crossing the street to the employee parking lot when she was struck by a driver reportedly under the influence
The overdose treatment could be more widely available in spring
Lee County Dispatcher Amber Moody helped a caller perform CPR until first responders could arrive
“Our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers for her recovery continue to be with her and her family,” Ambulnz posted
Not every ingestion is an overdose, and not every drug is taken in isolation
25.1% of the drivers tested positive for THC, and nearly 20% had blood-alcohol levels beyond legal limits
With sufficient sign-ons from states, local governments would also be able to sign on to get shares
First responders, clinicians, and policymakers now have access to useful, real-time data, said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Office of National Drug Control Policy director
The FDA says Kloxxado Nasal Spray may lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms in those who are dependent and for laypeople to call 911 when they use it
Long-time paramedic hopes to educate her community on overdoses after son’s struggle
Paramedics administered naloxone to the infant, who had been crawling on grass and putting leaves in his mouth
LAFD transported seven of them to pediatric medical centers
One of the key risk factors for alcohol abuse is post-traumatic stress, something many first responders struggle with
The text option for 988 and the chat feature on 988lifeline.org remained functional as work was done to restore the phone service
Because a tiny amount of fentanyl can lead to a fatal overdose, officials have warned users about fake prescription drugs, saying “one pill can kill”
Scott Martin, an Air Force veteran who worked at the Buffalo Fire Department for 12 years, said he uses cannabis to treat PTSD and pain
Provisional CDC data shows a downward trend from last year’s record-high tally of more than 107,000 American losses
The company does not admit liability and said it “strongly disputes” allegations that its pharmacies improperly filled prescriptions for the painkillers
The rate of deaths directly attributed to alcohol rose nearly 30% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and had been increasing in the prior two decades
The deals call for most of the funds to be used to fight the drug crisis, but neither company admitted wrongdoing
Madison County providers reportedly had to shake the woman, who was unresponsive at the wheel of her vehicle, causing her to hit the gas pedal
Sandwich (MA) Fire Chief John Burke reflects on how properly disposing medical waste has helped safeguard his community against COVID-19, the opioid epidemic and in-house medical care
