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.
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Austin’s 911 Mental Health Diversion Program is getting the right resources to mental health crisis and lowering arrest rates
Comparing the efficacy of analgesics to reduce acute pain in the prehospital setting
Allegheny County officials are considering a 12-percent increase in overdose deaths last year a win over previous years that saw far higher increases
Indiana State Department of Health believes the more available naloxone is, the more those struggling with opioid abuse can find the help they need
Regional Director Chris Stawasz said ketamine is less addictive than other options and will allow EMS providers to “expand their options for safe and effective pain control”
Of the nine overdoses paramedics responded to since the tracking began, health officials have reached three people—and gotten one into a sober living program
Tri-State Ambulance is treating minor pains with essential oils to cut down on opioid use
The University of Kentucky has received almost $5 million to expand and improve a program to help pregnant women with opioid addiction
In an effort to do their part to curb the opioid crisis, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will not provide more than a seven- day supply to some customers
Researchers said droperidol is a safer, easier to administer alternative to midazolam for calming violent, intoxicated patients
In its annual healthcare scorecard, the Commonwealth Fund found the state did not see the tremendous rise in drug overdose
Beaver Falls Fire Chief Mark Stowe said the proactive stance of county leaders has made an impact on overdose calls and, ultimately, overdose deaths
Without a standard, objective-based assessment of patient sobriety levels, situations may arise that test the limits of EMS personnel
The state is now considering a bill to give paramedics the same authority that police have to direct patients to the facility best suited to treat them
Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader, who was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “Heroin(e),” was recognized for raising awareness about the opioid crisis
Stephen Newman had managed his pain with opioid medications, but was tired of the growing suspicion and mistrust he encountered when trying to get prescriptions
More than 100 leaders from an array of disciplines united to understand the opioid crisis and made it a goal to combat the problem by working together
Our co-hosts respond to a listener’s email regarding where medical marijuana fits into public safety, especially EMS
Donovan Dixon was found guilty of 20 counts of unlawfully distributing oxycodone, as well as conspiracy to distribute the opioid
Katherine Phillips and her boyfriend allegedly broke into First Call Ambulance Service and stole numerous medications
Dr. Jerome Adams issued a national advisory urging the public to educate themselves on how to use naloxone and keep it on hand
Three Massachusetts towns recently launched a pilot program to provide members of the public with naloxone
Doctors are prescribing gabapentin more often because of its non-addictive properties, but officials are finding signs of abuse that exacerbate opioid abuse
Two studies suggest that some people in states with medical marijuana dispensaries avoid using opioids as a way to treat chronic pain
Michael Fostich reportedly admitted to being responsible for the use of 806 fentanyl doses and 636 morphine doses
Trump tweeted his support for the opioid-abuse memorial, encouraging “all to visit and remember those who we have lost”
Officials reviewed protocols and determined there was a “gap” in the list of pain medications paramedic-level ambulances were authorized to carry
Careful monitoring, witnessed documentation and a record of any actions will protect controlled substances in the ambulance from theft
Gov. Tom Wolf, state police and public health officials on Monday unveiled the Pennsylvania Overdose Information Network
Ryan Fowler now uses his experience of being saved from an overdose three times to give talks to firefighters about his experience
Firefighter Scott Lebherz said the street drug KD is laced with heavy-duty bug sprays and causes users to writhe on the ground and struggle to breathe
Further research is needed to determine if naloxone access laws actually increase distribution and use of naloxone, and high-risk behavior by patients with opioid use disorder
