--- title: This Month in Emergency Preparedness News: The Heroin Epidemic Impacts EMS description: Each month, we will focus on the latest EMS preparedness news, keeping you up on the latest trends in emergency response, education, and training. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-509726534.png --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [This Month in Emergency Preparedness News: The Heroin Epidemic Impacts EMS](https://blog.sscor.com/this-month-in-emergency-preparedness-news-sept-17) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Sep 22, 2017 4:30:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/this-month-in-emergency-preparedness-news-sept-17#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/this-month-in-emergency-preparedness-news-sept-17#) 0 ![This Month in Emergency Preparedness News](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-509726534.png?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-509726534.png "This Month in Emergency Preparedness News") ## **The Heroin Epidemic Impacts EMS** Anyone working in EMS can attest to the dramatic rise in opioid emergencies. It seems the heroin epidemic has spread to every corner of our country, and as it impacts the public, so it impacts emergency responders charged with treating and transporting these patients.   Here are two articles that provide addiction statistics across the country, as well as the impact being felt by prehospital providers. - [Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures](https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf) - [Use of heroin overdose antidote by Louisville EMS personnel has tripled in 2016 ](https://insiderlouisville.com/metro/use-of-heroin-overdose-antidote-by-louisville-ems-personnel-has-tripled-in-2016/) ## **EMS Partners with Law Enforcement to Combat Addiction** In combating opioids in the field, we must partner with fellow agencies to tackle this deadly issue. Here is an article that details important collaborations between law enforcement and EMS. [Read Article](http://www.jems.com/articles/news/2017/04/local-ems-law-enforcement-collaborate-to-combat-opioid-addiction.html)   ## **The Role of Narcan in Opioid Overdose** We’re all familiar with the critical role Narcan plays in reversing opioid overdoses in the field. Here are two articles that examine the use of Narcan in heroin emergencies and how it is reducing deaths, even in the face of rising overdose incidents. - [DAVID'S LAW - OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL ACT 139](http://www.ddap.pa.gov/overdose/pages/naloxone_reversal.aspx) - [Narcan Keeps Ill. Heroin Deaths Down While Overdoses Increase](http://www.emsworld.com/news/12302903/narcan-keeps-ill-heroin-deaths-down-while-overdoses-increase)   ## **Heroin Epidemic Forces a Re-evaluation of Good Samaritan Law** Good Samaritan Laws are in place to protect bystanders who assist in emergencies. Now they are being applied to 911 calls for overdose. Check out how state legislatures are adapting existing laws to protect 911 callers, so that they are not dissuaded from calling for help because of fear of prosecution. [Read Article ](http://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/drug-overdose-immunity-good-samaritan-laws.aspx) ## **To Respond or Not to Respond…** An Ohio councilman touched off outrage when he questioned whether EMS responders should bother treating heroin overdoses in his community. What are your thoughts on this matter? [Read Article ](http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroin-epidemic/ohio-councilman-sparks-fury-after-asking-if-ems-can-stop-n778711) ## **A Word of Thanks** In case you find yourself asking if it matters whether you treat heroin addicts in the field, here’s an example of why it does. [Read Article ](http://www.emsworld.com/news/12336427/recovering-heroin-addict-on-ohio-ems-providers-i-feel-like-they-cared) ## **And from the SSCOR Blog…** Because an overdose has a high probability of turning into a critical airway scenario, here are two blogs that focus on best practices for suctioning tenuous airways.   - [Best Practices for Nasotracheal Suctioning](https://blog.sscor.com/best-practices-for-nasotracheal-suctioning) - [Five Tips for Improving Suction Technique ](https://blog.sscor.com/five-tips-for-improving-suction-technique) Be sure to sign up for the SSCOR Blog, so you can stay abreast of the latest EMS news!   [![subscribe_to_sscor_blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/3e940541-eaaa-4cda-83c6-9a9774df33f3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/3e940541-eaaa-4cda-83c6-9a9774df33f3) Topics: [Emergency Preparedness](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-preparedness) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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