TP37 - Overdose Epidemic Impacts on First-responder Mental Health and Responder Perceptions of the Role of Mental Health Among People Experiencing an Overdose
Communications Lead Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC Atlanta, Georgia
First responders including police, EMTs, firefighters, and paramedics are on the frontlines of the drug overdose epidemic. CDC conducted virtual in-depth interviews with nine first responders (law enforcement, paramedics/emergency medical technicians, and firefighters) and identified relevant themes to support the related communication strategy. Focusing on understanding and applying insights from responder interviews can support building partnerships with and understanding first responders’ needs and concerns, including their mental health needs. Additionally, such insights can inform how responders consider the mental health of the individuals to whom they respond.
Learning Objectives:
Describe how first responders experience the impacts of mental health in their work responding to drug overdoses.
Describe first responders’ perceptions of the impacts of mental health among those experiencing drug overdoses.
Apply insights from qualitative data to engage public safety professionals to address their mental health needs related to responding to drug overdose events and the needs of people experiencing overdoses.
