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.
Conquer stressful calls, identify treatment challenges and pitfalls, and use technology to its best potential to save lives this summer and beyond
Real-world data of high-dose naloxone administration by law enforcement officers found no added benefit to opioid overdose patients
Old methods have proven vulnerable to diversion, errors and waste
Grant funding sources have directed focus on the social, economic and health-related issues in rural areas, including the opioid epidemic
Leveraging the latest innovations in technology, the Rhode Island State Police tackles the opioid epidemic with stride
Officials say Roderick Weston went on a rampage and targeted vehicles, including an ambulance, to hit with his pickup truck
The Leave It Behind program aims to reduce overdose deaths by giving patients access to naloxone at home
From dangerous active shooter events, to ET3, Ebola, opioids and community paramedicine, EMS providers faced many significant incidents and evolving trends in the 2010s
Fire and EMS personnel collected gift cards and Christmas presents for the family, and are helping them move into a new house
The partnership, which includes the city fire department, will use $1.3 million in grants to address substance abuse and addiction
The paramedic reportedly admitted to stealing six oxycodone pills while at work
The dedicated wing would include space to treat up to 50 first responders and include specialized care
Police say the man regained consciousness after being giving naloxone and immediately began striking first responders
Colin Andrew Davis was sentenced to six months in prison for tampering with fentanyl and ketamine vials
Police say Raymond Kibby stole the ambulance from outside the hospital where he was receiving treatment for heroin withdrawal
The device is implanted under the skin and automatically releases naloxone when it detects a drop in blood-oxygen level
EMS leaders must be conscious and intentional in applying labeling lenses to patients and providers
What first responders need to know about asking for help, getting into treatment, and returning to work
The 19-year-old Michigan man reportedly called 911 for assistance while having a bad reaction to acid, then became aggressive with first responders
Based on a sampling of tablets seized from street dealers nationwide from January to March of this year, the DEA found that 27% contained fentanyl
There is no relationship that has more impact on your mental health than your relationship with your significant other
Police said Thomas Launderville slurred his words during a radio call as he was driving a patient to the hospital
In a 911 call, the suspect’s oldest child is heard sobbing while trying to give dispatchers the location of the minivan
FindTreatment.gov is the latest development in the administration’s effort to address the nation’s opioid crisis
Using restraints to protect a patient from harming themselves or providers is not new to EMS, but the circumstances are
Honor and support EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and police officers on National First Responders Day by acknowledging the toll trauma can take
Paramedics Jeremy Pecoraro Pecoraro and Jon Cinelli were placed on leave following an investigation into missing prescription narcotics
Across the U.S., the pharmaceutical industry still faces more than 2,600 other lawsuits over the deadly disaster
State, local and tribal governments plus hospitals and others have filed a total of more than 2,600 lawsuits against drugmakers, distributors and pharmacies
Thomas Wright broke free from the gurney restraint, bit the EMT and knocked him to the ground, then began stomping on his head
The compassionate treatment opioid users receive from first responders can lead to education and healing
Two nurses, a paramedic and a pharmacist were charged with receipt of controlled substance medications by deceit, fraud and misrepresentation
Prosecutors said the medical professionals helped fuel the state’s opioid epidemic
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