Substance Abuse
Recruitment, the opioid epidemic, climate change and mental health challenges are just as significant for paramedics now as they were in the heat of the campaign
From an airway management wake-up call to the efficacy of naloxone on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, these studies will be making waves in 2025
鈥淎s healthcare professionals, it is not the purview of EMS providers to judge our patients. It is our job to care for them鈥�
Medical experts believe nalmefene shouldn鈥檛 replace naloxone because of an increased risk for severe withdrawal symptoms associated with it
The Adams County EMT had admitted to a substance abuse problem during an investigation into an altercation during a possible overdose call
Officials attributed the decline to public health interventions, such as the availability and use of naloxone
States are channeling funds into overdose response equipment, drug identification tools and community recovery initiatives
Oakland County officials credit the decline to the availability of Narcan training and a public health, sheriff鈥檚 office partnership
Educating patients at the highest risk for suffering a fatal overdose
The year-over-year decrease in fatal drug overdoses was 24% as of July
Adams County Fire Rescue鈥檚 fire engine wrap will promote fentanyl awareness and education over six months
Insights, challenges and future directions: Highlighting the most compelling discussions that shaped EMS this year
The habits we learn to care for ourselves and others go with us off-duty into our personal lives
Sacramento County officials reported 186 deaths due to fentanyl this year compared to 404 in all of 2023
A proposed fentanyl vaccine might be a useful addition in the fight against opioids, but it isn鈥檛 necessary to protect first responders from occupational exposure to the drug
Data shows that overdose deaths are down 14% in a 12-month period compared to the last period
Pill organizers and dispensers that help prevent missed doses, overdoses and interactions
Colorado鈥檚 community naloxone distribution program faces a financial shortfall as state funding dwindles, raising concerns for overdose prevention efforts
How will Trump鈥檚 campaign promises impact EMS funding, call volume and service quality?
The video was shown in court during the trial of Daniel Penny, who placed Jordan Neely in a chokehold after he allegedly threatened to kill other subway train passengers
The Seattle Fire Department鈥檚 buprenorphine pilot program will now allow firefighter/EMTs to use the drug with patients experiencing severe opioid withdrawal
Officials worry about the future of the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund
Fentanyl and meth fuel rising deaths in Alaska, Nevada, Washington and Oregon, prompting harm reduction efforts and tougher prosecutions
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue utilizes a two-person Cares Team to provide buprenorphine during overdose calls
Withdrawal symptoms tended to be far worse than those experienced by even the most severe heroin users of the past
The Los Angeles Unified School District released a statement saying 鈥渁 group of students may have consumed a banned substance鈥�
In the right patient, with a solid understanding of the pharmacology and a plan to address potential side effects, ketamine can be an incredibly useful tool for EMS
State health department officials credit naloxone availability as part of the success and say there is more work to do
How to navigate the opioid funding landscape to secure resources for opioid abatement, reimbursement and remediation expenses
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