Evidence-Based Guideline for EMS Use of Naloxone Now Available

After a thorough review of published research and collaboration of a multidisciplinary expert panel, an evidence-based guideline (EBG) for the EMS administration of naloxone has been published in Prehospital Emergency Care. The group, led by the National Association of State EMS Officials, the National Association of EMS Physicians and the American College of Emergency Physicians and supported by NHTSA, has also made available a model protocol based on the new EBG and other research. These documents are additional steps designed to improve the quality of EMS clinical care by creating a process to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based guidelines. The new naloxone EBG, along with other guidelines developed via this process, is available on the new EMS Evidence-Based Guidelines page.

EMS and the Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic impacts EMS across the nation every day. EMS clinicians serve on the front lines, responding to overdoses and related emergencies, often the first contact with the healthcare system for people struggling with addiction. EMS systems also collect vast amounts of data during these encounters that have been used by public health agencies and other organizations at local, state and national levels to inform efforts to reduce overdose deaths. This month, NHTSA debuted a new online resource on the opioid crisis, offering resources for the EMS community, its partners in public health, public safety and healthcare, and the public.