This article outlines several approaches undertaken by state emergency medical services offices to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and mitigate fatalities.
This article addresses efforts to develop new approaches to stopping the opioid epidemic as soon as possible. It states that immediate access to naloxone is an important part of the effort to save lives, though while the administration of naloxone can be lifesaving during an overdose event, additional strategies are needed in order to prevent repeat events and to help individuals manage their substance use disorder (SUD). This article outlines several approaches undertaken by state emergency medical services (EMS) offices in collaboration with local EMS agencies, such as ambulance services, to address the problem at its core. The projects described in this article provide an example of how EMS, and specifically, state EMS offices, have approached the challenges posed by opioids and SUDs. The article organizes the sample projects under five categories: Naloxone Leave Behind Programs; EMS Data for Surveillance and Response; Community Paramedic and Medication-assisted Treatment Programs; Training and Support for EMS Providers; and Statewide Overdose System of Care.