9781422274316

First responders—paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), law-enforcement officers, and firefighters—are on the front lines of the war against opioids.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

benzodiazepines —a class of medications that work with the central nervous system to treat medical conditions like anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam and lorazepam. compassion fatigue —physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, or emotional withdrawal experienced by individuals who care for sick or ailing patients for an extended period. dependency —a reliance, in this case on a type of substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. fentanyl —a powerful synthetic opioid typically used to treat severe pain. It is much more powerful than morphine. gross domestic product —the monetary value of all goods and services produced or provided in a country over the span of one year. hepatitis —a medical condition caused by inflammation of the liver.

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How First Responders and ER Doctors Save Lives and Educate