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.
From chronic burnout and staffing gaps to a lack of meaningful leadership engagement, personnel are sounding the alarm — and offering a roadmap for change
A paramedic’s road to recovery proves that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again
EMS leaders hail the grant as a critical step toward better access and reduced overdoses
Once a patient is given the drug, the Seattle Fire Department’s Health 99 team — firefighters and case workers dedicated to overdose calls — steps in to connect patients with services such as treatment centers
Madison Fire Department paramedics will now be able to administer buprenorphine
Decriminalization has led to a rise in psilocybin-related calls for young adults and adolescents
Centerton Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Brown stated he administered the drug to a patient after the fire chief noticed a 10 mg vial was missing
Conquer stressful calls, identify treatment challenges and pitfalls, and use technology to its best potential to save lives this summer and beyond
Real-world data of high-dose naloxone administration by law enforcement officers found no added benefit to opioid overdose patients
Old methods have proven vulnerable to diversion, errors and waste
Portland’s Crisis & Sobering Center falls victim to city, county conflicts, funding competition and debate on behavioral health priorities
Study found the 8-milligram naloxone spray did not provide added benefit but did cause vomiting, more side effects
Dr. Jerry Snow shares xylazine pharmacology, treatment tips and high-dose naloxone implications
Alarming surge in needlestick injuries tackled with essential guide to proper medical waste disposal
BioMedical Waste Solutions encourages healthcare facilities and EMS professionals to read its comprehensive guide for assistance with the proper disposal of sharps and medical waste
The medical director for the Middletown Division of Fire stated the paramedics “breached the standard of care and the breach caused” the death
Vital for swift fentanyl detection amid rising overdose risks, these kits provide rapid on-the-spot screening in diverse samples, aiding healthcare, law enforcement, and EMS
Coroner’s staff arrived after the Springfield Township paramedics left the scene and found the woman trying to breathe
Public drug use leads to some lawmakers wanting to recriminalize small possession amounts
MATTERS has installed 13 machines so far an plans to install 15 more
Methuen officials have budgeted to hire more EMTs and police officers with money from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund
Officials identify several reasons for patient surge in Oahu emergency departments
Over $40M was given to cities, towns but only 5% was spent at the end of the fiscal year
COVID-19 pandemic increased substance use, burnout among first responders, study finds
The study investigated how burnout influenced the relationships between work stress, workplace support measures, COVID-specific assistance strategies and potentially harmful substance use
Starting on Feb. 5, firefighters as well as a new team of first responders will be able to provide overdose victims in Portland with immediate access to buprenorphine and follow-up recovery services
Show off your expertise at assessing and treating narcotics overdose
Michael Ladell Thomas faces manslaughter, felony DUI for a crash that killed ASAP EMS EMT Mary “Katie” Pipkin
A surge in fentanyl deaths has become a top legislative issue in both states to
Funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is to help EMS support residents in rural communities
Portland saw a record number of fatalities in the homeless population due to drug overdoses
The report showed that fentanyl was found in 93% of all opioid-related overdose deaths
Focusing on observed behavior will help protect both the individuals needing assistance and the officers responding to the situation
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