EMS World Expo 2018

The current opioid abuse epidemic is affecting communities across the nation and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Traditional public safety response has focused on the immediate needs of patients suffering from overdoses. Public health agencies attempt to divert abusers to rehabilitation programs and in some areas employ harm reduction models such as needle exchanges and safe injection training. This case study will discuss an integrative approach using post-traditional EMS encounter referrals to community paramedics who target Social Determinant of Health (SDoH) barriers to self-management in this population. Lessons learned and program implementation guidelines will be discussed along with recommendations for future public health emergency integrations.