The Last Line of Defense - A 360º Perspective
Fighting the battle against prescription medicine or heroin addiction.
We're facing an epidemic of national proportion and losing.
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OVERVIEW Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, having first surpassed motor vehicle fatalities in 2009. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic. Overdose deaths related to pain medications and heroin are showing no signs of slowing. It is my hope that this presentation (see below) heightens awareness and interest of this national epidemic and its tragic consequences. Through improved knowledge, understanding, and alignment of resources, we will advance our efforts against the battle of opioid addiction and overdose. |
This 60-page deck (click on the image below to read) provides a single source of industry facts and trends, the opinions and practices of first responders and emergency medical services, industry related organizations and pharmaceutical company executives. It was also created with the input of those who have lost loved ones due to an opioid overdose. A central topic of this presentation is naloxone, a lifesaving antidote used to reverse opioid overdose.
When you look at the facts of opioid addiction and overdose, examine recent legislative acts and state funding, understand the ease of use and effectiveness of naloxone, consider the broad endorsements by state, national and world organizations, review case studies of advancing first responders who have integrated naloxone as a medical practice... naloxone should be universally accepted as a lifesaving last line of defense.
When you look at the facts of opioid addiction and overdose, examine recent legislative acts and state funding, understand the ease of use and effectiveness of naloxone, consider the broad endorsements by state, national and world organizations, review case studies of advancing first responders who have integrated naloxone as a medical practice... naloxone should be universally accepted as a lifesaving last line of defense.
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One of the barriers of achieving broad acceptance of naloxone is the stigma associated with opioid overdose, especially heroin. The traditional mindset is to address opioid addiction and overdose as a criminal justice matter rather than a healthcare issue.
For those first responders whose practices have evolved and accepted naloxone as a lifesaving medical practice, we thank you. For those who struggle with the decision to carry, I ask that you carefully consider. The consequences of not carrying naloxone, the loss of life, is simply too great.
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