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.
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 Bicycle Emergency Response Team is engaging the community, while providing quick response to difficult-to-access venues
Let people know how to stay safe in the sun and heat, in the water and on the road
A section chief from St. Louis considers the scope and impact of opioid response on EMS providers and the role they play in combating the crisis
Innovative community paramedicine programs may offer a strategy to evolve EMS response from resuscitation to a recovery-oriented system of care
Is widespread naloxone administration by non-medically trained responders preventing overdose patients from reaching definitive care?
EMS can apply the four-lens foundation for the science of improvement to reducing opioid overdose deaths within their communities
Training, PPE and scene assessment will minimize the risks of opioid exposure to fire and EMS responders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that around more than 8,400 opioid-related deaths occurred among adults between the ages of 25 and 34
The voluntary recall was prompted by the potential for “loose particulate matter on the syringe plunger,” which could result in a range of adverse effects
Officer Brian Wynn helps drug addicts get help disconnecting from heroin and other opioids
A new grant will help emergency medical personnel in Frederick County leave behind a lifesaving overdose reversal medication with overdose patients
The family of William Comstock claims his prescription opioids left him “to battle the horrors of a tormented mind for the remainder of his days.”
EMS providers are on the front lines of this epidemic and require up-to-date knowledge on safety risks, patient assessment strategies and opioid overdose treatments
The patrol says the stash was a record fentanyl seizure in Nebraska and estimates the drugs may have been worth up to $20 million on the street
With three psychologists offering varying views of the mental stability of Genaro De La Cruz Ajqui, a judge ordered him to be taken to a forensic hospital
Celebrating those who spend their days and nights helping others when they need help the most during EMS Week 2018
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
