Mitigating the Opioid Crisis: examining the role of EMS and Hospital interventions in improving patient outcomes
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Authors
Malheiros, Jacque
Narum, Audrey
Teders, Noel
Date of Issue
2024
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Today, the United States faces one of the deadliest epidemics: the opioid crisis. Citizens of the United States have access to opioids through various means including inappropriate prescribing and through illegal use. With these controlled substances at peoples’ fingertips, there is extreme susceptibility to overdose. With the high likelihood of overdose amongst users who abuse, preparedness to reverse an overdose can mean the difference between life and death. While both EMS services and hospital services are trained to treat overdoses, more research is needed to determine how different practices and environments affect end results. This review will use research articles studying the effectiveness of both EMS and hospital responses to determine current patient outcomes. By examining the effectiveness of EMS and hospital responses to overdose, this review can help the healthcare system identify areas where further education is needed. Furthermore, the goal of this review is to inform policymakers of discrepancies in knowledge, improve treatment and response protocols, and improve overall short and long-term outcomes of the opioid overdose patient.