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.
How communities are saving lives by understanding where and when overdoses occur
How is your agency faring on these important metrics?
Steve Whitehead tells you everything you need to know to keep yourself safe from accidental fentanyl exposure
Experts say stronger drugs and scarce treatment are leading to a sharp increase in opioid overdoses and deaths in Cook County
Police say an intoxicated man assaulted the EMS providers and broke the window of a squad car
A woman rushed the 12-week-old puppy to the fire station where medics administered naloxone using a pediatric nebulizer mask
Police say the woman became combative with family members who were trying to give her Narcan
Police say the man repeatedly stated that he had HIV during the incident and spat “brownish-red” saliva onto the firefighter-paramedic’s arm
A 60-year-old woman is suspected of driving while intoxicated in the crash that seriously injured Joachim-Plattin Paramedic Erik Bedwell and Capt. Greg Maguire
The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash was arrested on suspicion of DWI
The proposal would create a program to dispatch medics and crisis workers to mental health calls
Paramedic Nicholas Hennink, who was named Canada’s 2020 Paramedic of the Year, opened up about his struggle with PTSD and addiction
The woman is also accused of DUI and animal cruelty after crashing her vehicle and chasing people while holding a small dog
Cleveland EMS responded to the scene early Tuesday morning where a “large amount” of fireworks had been set off
Colorado’s public health department is conducting an investigation on the use of ketamine to sedate a man during a police altercation
The alcohol-involved crash caused the ambulance to overturn, pinning the medic for more than 40 minutes
The $225,000 grant will help establish teams of first responders and community advocates with the goal of preventing repeat overdoses
Police said they witnessed Paramedic Bob Bennett kick and punch the patient
The pilot program will dispatch new mobile teams to help those having a mental health crisis or substance abuse problems
First responders pulled the man off the rig after an hours-long standoff
The vehicles were helping block the road during a protest outside Austin Police Department headquarters
The Suwannee County Fire Rescue paramedic has been charged with controlled substance possession and grand theft
Studies from the SARS outbreak in 2003 reveal first responders may be more at risk for PTS due to quarantine and stigmatization
The woman was being transported to the hospital after telling police she had injected heroin, officials say
EMS systems may experience and respond to behavioral health, substance abuse and domestic violence situations as social isolation impacts public health
FDNY EMT Alexander Raso, 24, was found dead in March after joining the department in September
Training, mental health resources are essential to support first responders facing both the opioid crisis and COVID-19 outbreak
A typical shift during the pandemic highlights the uncertainty faced by first responders
The clinical decline in patients with HCQ toxicity can be quite precipitous: be prepared with close cardiac monitoring
While preliminary data shows no significant change in overdose numbers, one agency describes how stay-at-home orders have impacted overdose locations and outreach efforts
The man took a plea deal after stealing the ambulance from a hospital where he was being treated for heroin withdrawal
The paramedic told police he had taken over-the-counter cold medicine and some prescribed drugs before hitting another rig outside a senior care facility
Researchers warn that misinformation about unintentional fentanyl exposure can have negative consequences for responders and opioid overdose patients
