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.
Educating patients at the highest risk for suffering a fatal overdose
Insights, challenges and future directions: Highlighting the most compelling discussions that shaped EMS this year
The habits we learn to care for ourselves and others go with us off-duty into our personal lives
Teva Pharmaceuticals was the only manufacturing defendant left in the lawsuit after other parties settled
Lane Ambulance EMS providers were reportedly attempting to administer Narcan when the patient forced a paramedic to the rig floor
The company said it is cooperating with a Mississippi bureau of narcotics inquiry
Looking back into the data on EMS activations and trends, and looking forward in hope
The rig driver, Kevin Tirrel McCorvey, was arrested and told Fairburn police that he had smoked marijuana, taken Adderall and was drinking before the incident
Levi Coleman’s lawsuit claims that the Ogden Fire Department and the city violated the Utah Medical Cannabis Act
In this episode, our co-hosts discuss some of the top news from across the industry and offer their unique perspective on upcoming legislation, provider rights and more
In prehospital settings, naloxone is widely available, and buprenorphine has been approved for few EMS providers
“It is another tool in our bag,” said Richmond Fire Chief Sam Kirby
“We’re about 80 paramedics down,” said Austin EMS Association President Selena Xie, who hopes the change helps with staffing
Drug overdoses now surpass deaths from car crashes, guns, and flu and pneumonia
Kevin McCorvey faces charges of driving under the influence, second-degree vehicular homicide, open container and failure to maintain lane
Randolph County Sheriff’s Office detectives use the online tool to track trends in overdose types, deaths and Narcan use
A Pew Trusts survey revealed limited training and options for dispatching specialized responses
The bills decriminalize syringes and create an online directory for the distribution of opioid antagonists
Roger Crystal leaped out of his vehicle to help when he and his wife noticed a man suffering a medical emergency on a Los Angeles sidewalk
The vaccine is designed to produce antibodies to oxycodone, blocking the drugs’ ability to reach the brain
A study from Florida Atlantic University found IM ketamine administration increases ED intubation rate 5.75-fold for patients testing positive for cocaine
Lab analyses showed two of every five fake pills containing fentanyl contained a potentially lethal dose of the drug
Funds will be used to help recruit new responders and train current providers on how best to respond to the twin crisis of substance misuse and mental health emergencies
The protocol has been adopted by 18 other counties in Michigan amid a spike in overdoses earlier this year
Jeffrey Leedy was found guilty of replacing doses of fentanyl with a saline solution while working for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
What paramedics needs to know as reports of self-medication for COVID-19 rise
Funds will be used to train first responders on Narcan use and how best to interact with people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues
The U.S. State Department is offering the reward for information leading to the arrest of “Hong Kong Zaron” for dealing large amounts of fentanyl
A former Jefferson County paramedic was indicted following a criminal probe into the theft of narcotics stored in ambulances
Viral video appears to show a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy collapsing from a fentanyl overdose
The 2020 death toll estimate is up by about 20K, with fentanyl blamed for more than 60% of overdoses
Without real-time feedback to confirm ventilation rate and volume, a piece of the map is missing
The Health and Human Services Department announced $15 million in funding available for states to create and improve response to mental health- and substance use-related crises
