Why Those With Addiction Don't "Just Change" - Opioid Crisis Reality for EMS
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Show Notes
Death is the Bottom: Why EMS Must Rethink Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
"Nobody told me that the bottom had a basement and the basement had a trap door." This powerful quote from a grieving mother reveals the tragic reality: for patients with opioid use disorder, rock bottom isn't recovery—it's death.
Dr. Jason Hoppe, a medical toxicologist from the University of Colorado, joins us to challenge how EMS providers think about opioid overdoses. The one-year mortality rate after an overdose requiring Narcan? A staggering 6-7%—worse than the one-year mortality after a STEMI. Yet we invest far less in these patients than cardiac emergencies.
This episode covers the evidence-based treatments that actually work (methadone and buprenorphine have incredibly low numbers-needed-to-treat to save a life), how EMS can initiate life-saving treatment in the field, and why "tough love" and waiting for patients to "hit rock bottom" is a dangerous myth. Learn how just an extra 6-minutes on scene could save lives, why patients on buprenorphine need MORE pain medication during trauma, and how breaking the stigma starts with you.
Ready to make a real difference? Discover how EMS providers are uniquely positioned to interrupt the deadly cycle of opioid use disorder.
Want to build unshakeable confidence on scene? We have developed a program to help paramedics go from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to calm competent providers others look to in crisis. If you want to learn more about our Paramedic Confidence Builder course reach out via email at [email protected] or through our contact page at emspodcast.com or via DM on IG @emsloudandclear
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Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Jason Hoppe, D.O.
Hosts - Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
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