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Training to improve responder attitudes and knowledge of opioid overdose

02 August 2021
Volume 13 · Issue 8

Abstract

Background:

Opioid use is a major public health issue and opioid overdose requires rapid response with naloxone.

Aims:

This study assesses the impact of a training session on the knowledge and attitudes of first responders and members of the community regarding opioid overdose recognition and naloxone use.

Methods:

A training session was delivered to 2327 participants between July 2019 and March 2020. The study used a paired, pre-/post-analysis to quantify changes.

Findings:

Nearly all (99.7%) participants completed a survey before and after training. Statistically significant improvements were observed in nearly all attitude and knowledge items.

Conclusion:

An education session delivered to an educationally and professionally diverse group can improve trainees' knowledge and attitudes. There were some significant differences between sub-groups, particularly regarding their professional and educational background, and whether the location was urban or rural. Further study is needed to examine whether trainees would benefit from a course tailored toward their education and professional experience.

After completing this module, the paramedic will be able to:

The misuse of opioids is a worldwide crisis that affects public health and welfare (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021; World Health Organization (WHO), 2021). Opioid overdose requires rapid response with naloxone (Kim and Nelson, 2015). In 2017, opioid overdose deaths accounted for approximately two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths in the United States (Scholl et al, 2018; Wilson et al, 2020). Worldwide, about half a million deaths are attributable to drug use, of which more than 70% are related to opioids, with over 30% of those deaths caused by overdose (WHO, 2020).

In recent years, opioid overdose deaths have been driven primarily by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl (Scholl et al, 2018; Wilson et al, 2020). In 2017–2018, deaths involving all opioids, prescription opioids and heroin decreased by 2%, 14% and 4% respectively. However, deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by 10%, likely driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, including fentanyl analogues (Guy et al, 2017; Scholl et al, 2018; Hedegaard et al, 2020; O'Donnell et al, 2020; Wilson et al, 2020).

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