First Responders on the Front Line: Dr. Gene Hern's Approach to Addiction Treatment
Episode Overview
Dr. Gene Hern discusses the use of buprenorphine by paramedics to treat opioid withdrawal and prevent overdose fatalities. The conversation highlights the critical need for a shift in perceptions towards opioid use disorder. Dr. Hern shares insights on the innovative approaches being taken to address the opioid crisis, emphasizing the potential for life-saving interventions in the prehospital setting. The episode provides valuable information on the role of first responders in treating addiction and the challenges and opportunities in prehospital medicine. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the impact of opioid use disorder and the importance of early intervention and treatment.
If you walk down the street and realize that, of the 20 people you saw, let's say they all had an opiate use disorder, one would be dead in a year. And to recognize that getting people into treatment saves lives and buprenorphine saves lives.
Imagine you're a first responder, arriving at the scene of an overdose. What happens next? In this eye-opening episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Dr. Gene Hern to explore the vital role of prehospital medicine in treating addiction. Dr. Hern, an esteemed figure in emergency medical services, shares his wealth of experience and groundbreaking methods that go beyond just naloxone.
From using buprenorphine to manage opioid withdrawal right at the scene, to shifting public perceptions about opioid use disorder, this conversation is packed with insights that could change how we approach addiction treatment. Dr. Hern's impressive background, including numerous awards and over 50 peer-reviewed publications, adds depth to this crucial discussion. Whether you're in the medical field or simply interested in innovative solutions to the opioid crisis, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the life-saving potential of prehospital interventions.