A groundbreaking study uncovers a significant rise in naloxone administration by untrained bystanders amid the opioid crisis, emphasizing the critical role of public intervention in saving lives.
As the opioid crisis continues to grip the nation, a new study underscores the vital role that untrained bystanders play in reversing overdoses. Researchers from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and College of Public Health, in collaboration with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, have revealed a 43.5% increase in the use of naloxone by civilians, but they stress that more needs to be done.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, marks the first comprehensive national examination of naloxone use by non-medical personnel.
Utilizing data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, the researchers analyzed over 96 million EMS activations between June 2020 and June 2022. Among the hundreds of thousands who received naloxone, only 3.4% had the drug administered by an untrained bystander prior to the arrival of emergency services.
“Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdose effects when given immediately,” senior author Ashish R. Panchal, a clinical professor of emergency medicine, said in a news release. “Similar to CPR, stepping up to help before emergency crews arrive can be the difference between life and death.”
The research highlights both progress and gaps in public health efforts.
Legal reforms and public education campaigns have made naloxone more accessible, with 46 states and the District of Columbia providing legal immunity for Good Samaritans.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of over-the-counter naloxone has facilitated easier distribution.
“Unfortunately, the study found there is more work to be done since only 3.4% of EMS activations involving naloxone received it from non-medical bystanders,” corresponding author Chris Gage, a doctoral student at the College of Public Health, said in the news release. “In a perfect world, this should be closer to 100%, highlighting a need to improve naloxone education, enhance access and investigate and remove obstacles to its use.”
The study’s implications are far-reaching.
Opioid overdoses claimed over 100,000 lives in the United States in 2021 alone, emphasizing the dire need for immediate intervention outside of the healthcare setting. By enhancing public access and training, communities can potentially reduce the death toll.
The study’s future focus aims to understand and promote bystander interventions further. The researchers will delve into the demographics and motivations of those who administer naloxone, seeking ways to amplify their efforts.
This research not only sheds light on the life-saving power of public intervention but also calls for continued and enhanced efforts to equip and empower more individuals to act in times of crisis.