Harm reduction and emergency medical services: Opportunities for evidence-based programming.
Am J Emerg Med
; 72: 85-87, 2023 10.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37499554
ABSTRACT
Overdose fatalities are increasingly attributed to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which may be added to samples of illicit substances unknowingly to the user. As recently as April 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also raised awareness of the risks of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that has been found in adulterated samples of illicit substance. A growing body of evidence supports the use of drug testing services, including fentanyl and xylazine test strips, to reduce the risks associated with substance use and prevent fatal overdoses. Emergency medical services clinicians serve on the frontline of the opioid epidemic and are uniquely positioned to distribute harm reduction materials. In this article, we advocate for emergency medical services to distribute fentanyl and xylazine test strips. We also critically evaluate legal and other barriers to implementation.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Heroína
/
Overdose de Drogas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article