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.
Common agents used in drug-facilitated sexual assault: How to recognize them and how they impact care
New Britain’s naloxone training and addiction support model shows promise for other communities
Community collaboration, harm reduction models and policy changes can ease the burden on EMS workers and improve patient outcomes
The state legislature passed a law last year to help school districts and first responders have access to the overdose drug
Los Angeles Fire Department crewmembers evaluated the children and transported five to a hospital
If approved, naloxone would be available for free in many places, and first responders would be empowered to distribute naloxone kits to the public
The University of Massachusetts is warning about “blackout rage gallons,” or “BORGs,” use among college kids, as seen on the app
Before you watch the film inspired on true events learn how cocaine toxicity really presents in humans
The Waterville firefighter resigned after being put on leave, citing personal reasons
The campaign centers on awareness of opioid addiction and action steps to take if someone is in crisis
An influx of money is on the way, thanks to settlements with drug makers, distribution companies and pharmacies
“First responders play a critical role,” says Peter Canning, paramedic and EMS coordinator for U. Conn.'s John Dempsey Hospital
Mavin Timothy Campbell is accused of kicking, hitting and trying to bite the providers before fleeing on foot
The department dismissed Dakota Ibrahim and suspended Joseph Schultz; Leonardo Guerrero died after being strapped to a stretcher in an ambulance
As recreational marijuana shops open across the country, critics say children are at risk
The suspect was found to possess 20 guns and 4 grams of meth and had been considering stealing the fire truck and ambulance, Rochester police said
“Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose,” DEA says
Proper inventory, tracking and reporting on the use of these drugs protects both practitioners and patients
Tracking narcotics on paper leaves many gaps that can lead to major problems for any department or organization
The claim has prompted Town Council to rethink the contract with the Hermon Volunteer Rescue & First Aid Squad
Among reported cases, over half of the children were toddlers; symptoms include drowsiness, breathing problems, fast heart rate and vomiting
The National Crime Prevention Council sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling for an investigation into the social platform
Lisa Sillins, 55, was crossing the street to the employee parking lot when she was struck by a driver reportedly under the influence
The overdose treatment could be more widely available in spring
Lee County Dispatcher Amber Moody helped a caller perform CPR until first responders could arrive
“Our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers for her recovery continue to be with her and her family,” Ambulnz posted
Not every ingestion is an overdose, and not every drug is taken in isolation
25.1% of the drivers tested positive for THC, and nearly 20% had blood-alcohol levels beyond legal limits
With sufficient sign-ons from states, local governments would also be able to sign on to get shares
First responders, clinicians, and policymakers now have access to useful, real-time data, said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Office of National Drug Control Policy director
The FDA says Kloxxado Nasal Spray may lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms in those who are dependent and for laypeople to call 911 when they use it
Long-time paramedic hopes to educate her community on overdoses after son’s struggle
Paramedics administered naloxone to the infant, who had been crawling on grass and putting leaves in his mouth
