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The death toll from narcotic addiction and the use of illicit opioids often exceeds those from many other causes. This presentation by Kenneth Scheppke, MD and Glenn Joseph will present the findings from a novel treatment regimen piloted in Palm Beach County, Florida using a combination of medication assisted treatment, community paramedicine and local health care alliances. You will learn how to bring this new life saving model back to your EMS system.
Christopher Hickey will detail a program dubbed "Safe Station", a fire-based response to the opioid epidemic and frustrating lack of services. Hickey’s plan opened up the doors of all ten city firehouses as an access point for treatment and recovery and helped provide 24/7/365 access to drug rehab and treatment services. Since the program went "live" their system has had over 1,400 visits to the program and a 40% reduction in overdoses per month. 60% of those coming through remain in treatment, three times the national average.