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.
Long-time paramedic hopes to educate her community on overdoses after son’s struggle
One of the key risk factors for alcohol abuse is post-traumatic stress, something many first responders struggle with
Sandwich (MA) Fire Chief John Burke reflects on how properly disposing medical waste has helped safeguard his community against COVID-19, the opioid epidemic and in-house medical care
The bill would expand a naloxone grant program, authorize a grant to teach post-overdose treatment and authorize funding for technology to screen for deadly drugs
Nearly half a million more dollars and an extra death investigator are needed to keep up with the record number of opioid deaths in Kent County
Drug detectives raiding an apartment were exposed to the potent opioid fentanyl as it burst into the air when the suspects attempted to toss evidence
Project FORT (Fairfield County Overdose Response Team) works to help residents who are addicted to opioids and other drugs get clean and reclaim their lives
Jason Laut was sentenced to 9 years in prison for stealing fentanyl and morphine from ambulances
The suspect kicked and attempted to head-butt the EMTs, and police noted it took substantial force to get him in the back of an ambulance
Sara Wainwright lauds ROSC progress, laments opioid epidemic
Using community paramedicine resources to monitor opioid-addicted patients detoxing at home could relieve the burden on EMS and ERs
From October through May, the Keene Fire Department responded to at least 51 suspected opioid overdoses, administering 110 doses of naloxone to those patients
Chief Anthony Campbell told the media Friday that the surge of synthetic marijuana overdoses, which gripped the city for more than 24 hours, seem to have calmed down
As many as 71 people overdosed in the city in 24 hours as emergency crews raced to save lives and one man was arrested as a “person of interest” in the case
A panel of doctors, nurses and patients recommended doctors prescribe far fewer opioids for 20 common surgeries such as hysterectomies and breast surgeries
Allegany County Department of Emergency Services received more than $30,000 in state grant funding to help cover the cost of naloxone
Pain management specialist Dr. Michelle Weiner said medical marijuana is a “great alternative for a lot of people suffering with pain”
A $60,000 grant will provide funding through 2020 to sustain Middletown’s Quick Response Team operation
Police said Curtis Collman II not only refused to call 911 to try and save his son, but threatened others who tried to call for help as the boy overdosed on meth
Paramedics in the town of Fishers are now offering Nitronox to patients as an alternative to opioids
The much-lauded documentary about three women fighting against the opioid crisis in Huntington, West Virginia, has been nominated for another award
Retired Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Commander Richard Biehl was on his way home with his wife when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver
Maryland, a state that already had one of the country’s most punishing overdose mortality rates, notched a record-high number of drug deaths last year
The Orland Park Fire Protection District and 13 other municipalities are suing several manufacturers, distributors and doctors in state court
Rory Barros spent four months in the hospital, survived 16 surgeries and had his leg amputated after being hit
The CMS reminded state Medicaid directors that existing funding sources can be used to better integrate information systems
Jason Howard confessed to police he took the drugs and has been charged with felony drug possession and misdemeanor theft
Hobart Fire Department paramedic Ron Reed Jr. said he was trying to intubate a man who was suffering an overdose when the man coughed in his face
About two months ago, Pennsylvania became the first state to approve medical marijuana as a treatment for opioid use disorder
The state has authorized 27 organizations across the state to distribute and administer the medication without a prescription
According to figures provided by Acushnet Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher, fentanyl administrations are down 51 percent in New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet
The day can hopefully provide a life-saving option for those at risk of opioid overdose, and break down the stigmas
The opioid deflection program is a six-month pilot that will give opioid addicts the ability to be quickly placed into treatment with no risk of jail
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