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Impact of Interactions Between First Responders and Opioid Drug Users
Beardsley, Rio Chaidarun, Pirapon Fjeld, Kalle Grebber, Benjamin Muchmore, Brian Seyller, Ellen Struck, Lauren Tan, Heng Jacobsen, Peter Larrabee, Jerry
Beardsley, Rio
Chaidarun, Pirapon
Fjeld, Kalle
Grebber, Benjamin
Muchmore, Brian
Seyller, Ellen
Struck, Lauren
Tan, Heng
Jacobsen, Peter
Larrabee, Jerry
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2017, First Responders (EMS, Police, and Fire Department) in Vermont administered 848 doses of naloxone (Narcan®), an opioid antagonist that can block the effects of opioids in overdose. However, the rate of opioid-related fatalities has continued to rise from 74 in 2015 to 101 in 2017. Vermont CARES, a nonprofit organization, helps address this issue by working “for and with Vermonters affected by HIV/AIDS to promote well-being through a continuum of prevention, support, and advocacy services.” Their syringe service programs throughout the state provide access to clean needles, overdose prevention education, and naloxone. AIMS 1. To better understand the perceived experience of opioid drug users (Vermont CARES clients) when interacting with First Responders following an overdose. 2. To explore how such interactions of a Vermont CARES client – essentially as positive or negative – affects the likelihood to request such help in the future
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Date
2019-01-25