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.
In this episode, our co-hosts discuss some of the top news from across the industry and offer their unique perspective on upcoming legislation, provider rights and more
What paramedics needs to know as reports of self-medication for COVID-19 rise
Without real-time feedback to confirm ventilation rate and volume, a piece of the map is missing
The new law includes a provision that creates an emergency drug and alcohol detoxification program to be administered by the Department of Health
A recent study concludes it will take a combination of medical cannabis and prescription drug monitoring programs to decrease opioid overdoses
Another medic was able to administer naloxone to the firefighter-medic, who was transported to the hospital along with the patient
After a police department posted warnings to wipe shopping carts down to avoid exposure, experts weighed in on the accuracy of the claim
The memorial wall includes 22,000 pills engraved with the faces of opioid overdose victims
A report by Senator Mike Lee’s office said younger Americans who are single or divorced and uneducated are dying from opioids more frequently
Officials said 28 Wisconsin counties sued pharmaceutical companies, as well as doctors, for fraudulent marketing of prescription painkillers
The new study found that simple, non-opioid alternatives work just as well for patients with broken bones or fractures
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz is speaking out after an attempt to file criminal charges against a suspect caught with carfentanil was denied
Two recent studies offer insight into the difficulty of recovery and who is more likely to become addicted to opioids
The Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders gives unified, evidence-based suggestions in the case of suspected fentanyl exposure
The number of annual drug overdose deaths in New Mexico has plateaued amid a series of pioneering policies to combat opioid addiction
The panel recommended training doctors who prescribe opioids and allowing more emergency responders to administer overdose reversal drugs
New Jersey’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging widespread deception over many years
Event at EMS World covered steps to avoid accidental fentanyl exposure during scene size-up, patient care and investigation
The bill would add fentanyl analogs to the synthetic opiates category of controlled substances, making it easier for prosecutors to go after manufacturers
“It’s one piece of a much large overall strategy to try to reduce the supply and the demand at the same time,” Brockton Mayer Bill Carpenter said
Some experts suggested it could be because of the state’s demographics or the type of heroin available
The board included best practices for PPE, decontamination and medical countermeasures
The President’s declaration of a “National Public Health Emergency” falls well short of tackling the scourge of opioid overdose deaths
More than 140 Americans die every day from drug overdoses, including 91 specifically from opioids
Following on White House special commission recommendations, Trump announces a national public health emergency for the opioid emergency
“This epidemic is a national health emergency,” Trump said in a speech as he bemoaned a crisis he said had spared no segment of American society
Our co-hosts talk about an opioid panel discussion, sponsored by EMS1 and BoundTree, at EMS World Expo 2017
Luis Garcia is giving away free doses of the lifesaving drug to local businesses that could potentially encounter an overdose
Alton Banks apparently encountered the drug during a one-hour period after he left a pool and got home
Test your knowledge of fentanyl exposure, protection and treatment
The drug will be available without a prescription in 45 states, and Walgreens said they are “eager and willing” to increase that number
From fentanyl, to heroin, to ketamine, to carfentanil: the drug epidemic didn’t start in the back of an ambulance
There is concern the White House actions will be empty talk without a long-term commitment to paying for more addiction treatment
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