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 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
With long transport times and limited resources, medics equip communities and start addiction treatment in the field
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
13,400 people were killed in DUI crashes in 2021, costing $280 billion in medical expenses, lost wages and loss of quality of life
Gov. Inslee’s administration is also looking at state regulations to allow paramedics to administer initial opioid disorder treatment doses to overdose victims
Drug use, violence and fires are highlighted as cities sweep camps and struggle with housing solutions
First responders, hazmat teams investigated suspicious envelopes at four sites across two counties
Missoula’s Mobile Support Team replaces the tradition police response to mental health, substance abuse calls
Two paramedics and two EMTs were allegedly drunk during a retirement party at their Bronx station
Chief David Lewis and Kyle Gaines join the podcast to discuss a successful MIH initiative getting patients to treatment counselors
Reach out for help today so you can fill your cup and continue providing the outstanding care your patients deserve
Eight patients were treated with naloxone after fire and EMS personnel were called to the North Park Blocks in Portland
Five Portland children have died due to suspected fentanyl exposure since June
The Multnomah County study will research a round-the-clock facility for people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse
Paramedic Willie Doan Shares an urgent plea for change in a time when employee wellbeing is often sidelined in favor of productivity and profit
The Justice Department is sending out over $3M to support mentoring for at-risk young people and increase access to naloxone.
The pilot program that launched Health 99 has seen patients overdosing multiple times due to a lack of treatment options
Learn how the Philadelphia Fire Department redefined service delivery, funding and success
The number of people who died of overdoses in Denver public spaces more than tripled between 2018 and 2022, data shows
Three other children exhibited symptoms of opioid intoxication and were treated with Narcan by first responders on scene
