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.
The Independence Day holiday can increase the number of intoxicated patients and bystanders you’re likely to encounter on your shift so be careful out there
How communities are saving lives by understanding where and when overdoses occur
How is your agency faring on these important metrics?
In this episode, hear the experts discuss pitfalls and pearls regarding the unpredictable presentations that can occur in patients abusing methamphetamine.
Suspected overdose deaths and naloxone rescue attempts by EMS went up sharply in Michigan compared with 2019, according to data from the University of Michigan
Police say the man became combative after experiencing an apparent overdose and was found to be carrying a BB gun in his pocket
The Hale Foundation has filed a lawsuit after the Valor Station’s zoning application was rejected following widespread opposition from residents
CAPCE-approved online program confronts ‘hero culture’ and shares tools to address mental health challenges
Police say the man also spit on EMS providers and police officers
Gundersen Tri-State is reportedly the first EMS agency in the state to give out the kits during calls
Gaining signals from noise and understanding the trajectory of service delivery
Clark County has been using the app to aid responses to cardiac arrests and overdoses since 2018
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said naloxone can be safely administered by first responders with proper PPE and other safety measures
Edward Augustus Blake, 44, a Eugene Springfield Fire Department paramedic, allegedly obtained controlled substances illegally through his position and administered them via IV to victims
Comparing stress levels and coping mechanisms, from alcohol to exercise and peer support in first responders
American Medical Response EMT Kerstii Groce’s attorney says police never performed a sobriety test before arresting her
The Statewide Opioid Reporting Directive allows participating agencies to recognize and respond to overdose increases in their coverage area
St. Charles County Ambulance District has armed medics with screening tools and additional EMS training to get patients to appropriate definitive care
The Massena Volunteer Emergency Unit’s post was criticized by both the public and town officials
How to add intranasal drugs to the BLS scope of practice, and why it would be a valuable addition to the BLS toolbox
James Poole, 37, a former Mercy Medical Center paramedic, was accused of stealing from dozens of medication vials and replacing their contents
An attorney for the Tennessee paramedic accused of hitting and kicking an overdose patient said the paramedic was trying to revive him
Police said paramedics failed to properly assess the patient and should not have let her go to the hospital in a police car
Creating a safe scene begins with understanding how your patient’s mental and physical health connect, and in avoiding these pitfalls
University of Pennsylvania researchers said the video was as effective as in-person training at teaching bystanders to respond to overdoses
Many EMS systems are evaluating ways to mitigate the risks of refusal in post naloxone patients
Evidence-based naloxone administration recommendations to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure and alleviate provider fear
Officials say Kelly Keene, 49, admitted to stealing vials of fentanyl and morphine while working as an EMT for Putnam County
EMS responses for opioid overdoses in Michigan were 22% higher from April to July this year compared with the same time period last year, according to state health department data
Rutherford County EMS providers will provide overdose survivors and their families with naloxone, education and other resources
Data company ESO released its mid-year report on call volume, PPE use and patient outcomes Thursday
A concerned motorist who noticed the ambulance drifting on and off the road began filming and called the police
Charleston Fire Chief Jeff Jackson said the department will work to provide more support for its members after the death of Firefighter-Paramedic Jason Cuffee
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