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.
Keep the following tips in mind when you encounter a patient who has had too much to drink
When the conditions are ripe, the distinction between intoxication and a diabetic emergency can easily be blurred
Engage your participants in pediatric resuscitation protocols, equipment and patient assessment
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
Authorities say it is the second time the man has been charged with DWI and that he was driving without a license when the crash occurred
A preliminary investigation found that the firefighter may have falsified supply logs for at least 18 months
Taigman discusses his 5-step wellness checkup, how to look after the welfare of others, as well as coping strategies, including his own journey into meditation
The police medic suffered a dislocated left ulna, fractured left hand and neck and back pain
According to state health department documents, the medic tested positive for cocaine after being found sleeping in her car while on duty
Police said the man told them he had taken LSD and was found inhaling red printer ink when officers arrived
The declaration, first made in January 2018, has led to numerous actions to combat the opioid crisis including increased administration and distribution of naloxone by EMS providers
In this episode, hear the experts discuss pitfalls and pearls regarding the unpredictable presentations that can occur in patients abusing methamphetamine.