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.
A lack of accurate data tracking led LogRX CEO and Founder Clive Savacool to redefine what pharmacology accountability looks like for street-level medics
Consider adding these often-encountered patients to your EMT or paramedic class’s patient assessment drills or high-fidelity patient simulations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is offering 25 grants worth up to $800,000 to rural EMS agencies
A woman who took pills with alcohol died hours after paramedics and sheriff’s deputies left her home
Authorities say the narcotics were ordered and paid for through the agency by the ex-director but never used for EMS purposes
The new policy outlines circumstances that require drug and alcohol testing for volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders
Personnel from the LAFD’s Station 9 in Skid Row gave an inside look at their experience aiding thousands of homeless residents
Officials say there will be mandatory overtime and ramping up of recruit training after 10 employees left following an incident involving alcoholic egg nog
Court documents say John Kapoor personally approved bribes for doctors who abusively prescribed opioids
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
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