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.
What happens if EMS providers who use marijuana safely and legally test positive days later in violation of policies?
EMS grant guru Corey Carlson breaks down the nationwide opioid settlements and how emergency service providers can benefit
A pioneering EMS program is helping patients with opioid use disorder find a path to recovery
The call volume has been increasing every year and includes more than drug-related overdoses
Studies, funded by the federal government, found Opvee achieved similar recovery results to Narcan
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend millions to provide Narcan but the end of grant funding may impact delivery
Over 2,200 unhoused people died in 2021, a sharper increase than in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic
By the end of May, every firefighter in Chattanooga will have completed online training about xylazine, a sedative veterinary drug, based on information from the DEA
“There is a lot of discussion about overdose prevention centers, but ultimately, we need data to see if they are working or not,” said Dr. Nora Volkow
Christopher Robert Pattinson was indicted by a grand jury last year
Sheriff’s deputies were the last people to see the singer alive; they did a welfare check after he was seen huffing an inhalant on an Instagram live video
Wilkes-Barre FD members returned to class with questions; “It provided timelessness,” said Thomas Franko, Wilkes University assistant professor
The Office of National Drug Control Policy is requesting $11 million to develop a strategy to tackle xylazine’s spread, which includes seeking an antidote
The Index tracks data for more than 2,600 EMS agencies across the country
Alcohol-related EMS calls fell in nearby Chelsea, which had a half-year restriction
Robert Gala was found guilty of multiple crimes committed during his public safety career; his father, Deputy Chief Michael Gala, described the son’s addiction
FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf cited “the dire public health need” for the opioid antagonist
Documents show Kansas City’s civil rights department investigated and substantiated her complaints that her supervisor “taunted and terrorized her”
“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said
Giovanna Vittori filed her discrimination lawsuit in 2018; later that year, she died from a medication overdose at 38
The mother handed the child to Boca Raton Fire Rescue paramedics, who helped him regain a faint pulse before transporting him
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
