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 poll of nearly 600 EMS1 readers found that a stunning majority are in favor of providers being able to use medical marijuana if their state allows
Test your knowledge of intra-axial injuries, central herniation, subarachnoid hemorrhage and more
TBI risk factors, managing patient refusals and oxygenation tips for treating head injuries
Latest data shows the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in West Virginia was 52 per 100,000 in 2016
The distributors argue that if anyone is to blame, it’s the Drug Enforcement Administration, which oversees their regulatory requirement
Police said the officers became ill after a traffic stop that resulted in two arrests and narcotics recovered
Last year marked the first time in more than a half century that U.S. life expectancy fell two consecutive years
In 2016, 42,249 people died from opioid overdoses, compared to the 41,070 people who die from breast cancer annually
Mobile treatment units equipped with paramedics will be on standby in popular town areas with sick buckets, stretchers and defibrillators
Community paramedicine, patient transport, EMS safety, the opioid epidemic and professionalism shape the last year in EMS
Researchers said they developed a vaccine that blocks the feeling of euphoria caused by opioids without interfering with other addiction treatments
Philadelphia Fire Department EMS Deputy Commissioner Jeremiah Laster said the city considered making a trip to the hospital mandatory
Angela Brewer, 46, was convicted by a jury Thursday and sentenced to 20 years in prison
“This program is another tool to save lives. We think it will make a difference,” Havelock Fire Rescue Chief Rick Zaccardelli said
It will be available only to security officers, but the hope is that it can soon be put in the hands of student residence hall advisers
Paramedic supervisor Tad Thompson said going back to the same patients multiple times is frustrating because they aren’t receiving proper treatment
The requirement for health providers to use the recently upgraded Michigan Automated Prescription System would take effect in June
By waiving the fee, Aetna said it can reduce barriers to patients getting the treatments they need
The criminal complaint said Sharon Jackson called in prescriptions using doctors’ authorization for Suboxone, Subutex, and buprenorphine for patients who paid cash
Brian Cremeans injured a firefighter and an EMS provider, and also hit a fire truck and an ambulance before driving off
Professor Matthew Becker developed a polymer mesh that releases a pain reliever over time, and dissolves into the body while remaining non-toxic
Amanda Altmann said her daughter found a wet packet she that contained heroin in the area beneath the couch
A group of surgeons at the University of Michigan are trying a new approach with post-surgical patients to decrease their risk of addiction
Grants were awarded for ideas that include development of pain management alternatives and a mobile app to improve addiction treatment
Lisa Cassidy took action after noticing the amount of opioid overdose calls crews with St. Charles County Ambulance District were running
An investigation found that addicts have been using gift cards to target major retailers and their store-return policies to pay for drugs
Officials said the Appalachian region has been ground zero for the opioid problem in recent years
The family was walking through a neighborhood when the 1-year-old got hold of a small plastic bag and put it in her mouth
Bad Batch Alert is an anonymous texting service that uses data to track fentanyl overdose hotspots and points users in the direction of harm reduction services
"… not my addiction” humanizes opioid addiction and affirms the paramedic reviewer’s belief in the importance of compassionate treatment
The recommendations will focus on law enforcement, prevention and harm reduction, and treatment and recovery
Richard Bryan was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and criminal recklessness after possibly dumping fentanyl on the floor of an ambulance
Changes include the addition of narcotic antagonists, tourniquet applications and wound packing use
