Death is the Bottom: Why EMS Must Rethink Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
 
"Nobody told me that the bottom had a basement and the basement had a trap door." This powerful quote from a grieving mother reveals the tragic reality: for patients with opioid use disorder, rock bottom isn't recovery—it's death.
 
Dr. Jason Hoppe, a medical toxicologist from the University of Colorado, joins us to challenge how EMS providers think about opioid overdoses. The one-year mortality rate after an overdose requiring Narcan? A staggering 6-7%—worse than the one-year mortality after a STEMI. Yet we invest far less in these patients than cardiac emergencies.
 
This episode covers the evidence-based treatments that actually work (methadone and buprenorphine have incredibly low numbers-needed-to-treat to save a life), how EMS can initiate life-saving treatment in the field, and why "tough love" and waiting for patients to "hit rock bottom" is a dangerous myth. Learn how just an extra 6-minutes on scene could save lives, why patients on buprenorphine need MORE pain medication during trauma, and how breaking the stigma starts with you.
 
Ready to make a real difference? Discover how EMS providers are uniquely positioned to interrupt the deadly cycle of opioid use disorder.
 
Want to build unshakeable confidence on scene? We have developed a program to help paramedics go from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to calm competent providers others look to in crisis. If you want to learn more about our Paramedic Confidence Builder course reach out via email at <a href='mailto:ross@emspodcast.com'>ross@emspodcast.com</a> or through our contact page at <a href='http://emspodcast.com'>emspodcast.com</a> or via DM on IG @emsloudandclear 
 
Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Jason Hoppe, D.O.
 
Hosts - Ross Orpet, Will Berry 
 
Catch up with us after the show
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;">Instagram- @emsloudandclear</li>
<li style="font-weight:400;">YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@EMSLoudandClear</li>
<li style="font-weight:400;">Website- www.emspodcast.com</li>
</ul>

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