EMS has been on the frontlines of the opioid overdose epidemic. Long before presidential candidates, national news outlets, and U.S. Senators were discussing the scope of the epidemic and the billions of dollars needed to reverse overdoses, provide treatment and stem the flow of legal and legal narcotics EMS was treating overdose patients. Long after the epidemic wanes – likely years from now – EMTs and paramedics will come to the aid of narcotics overdose patients.
Naloxone is not new. It was first approved by the FDA in 1971. As long as there are naturally-derived and synthetically produced opioids we will need naloxone.
I responded to a three strikes and your dead idea floated by an Ohio city councilman.
Should EMS let opioid overdose patients die?
Many other EMS authors and bloggers have also discussed this stunning proposal.
- Why EMS will not stop responding to opioid overdoses by Art Hsieh for EMS1
- 3 strikes and you’re dead? Not in my ambulance by David Givot for EMS1
- Middletown, Ohio…or Deathville, USA on the Crossover Podcast
- Why are still talking about Narcan on the EMS Savy blog
- Why fire, EMS agencies should make the opioid epidemic their top priority by Sarah Calams on FireRescue1
- The Middletown Zone on the Coarse Asystole Blog
