Mr Richard Armour1,2,3, Dr Ryan Baldwin2,4,5, Professor Suzanne Nielsen2,5, Professor Jane Buxton6, Dr Linda Ross1
1Monash University , , Australia, 2Ambulance Victoria, , Australia, 3Monash Addiction Research Centre, , Australia, 4Eastern Health Clinical School, , Australia, 5Turning Point, , Australia, 6University of British Columbia, , Canada
Biography:
Richard is a MICA Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria and PhD Candidate at Monash University. Richard has over a decade of experience in Paramedicine, including experience in various roles in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Richard’s PhD focuses on enhancing the system of emergency care for people who use substances,
Abstract:
Background:
Expansion of community access to naloxone is increasingly urgent in Australia. The provision of leave-behind naloxone by paramedics in Australia remains limited to a single jurisdiction, despite strong international evidence for efficacy. This project aimed to quantify the opportunity for leave-behind naloxone in Victoria, Australia.
Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Ambulance Surveillance Scheme (NASS) for cases relating to substance use. Cases were examined between December 2013 and December 2023 and stratified according to the most prevalent substance involved (heroin, pharmaceutical opioids, or non-opioids).
Results:
A total of 119,117 were included in the analysis, with 35,977 patients (30.2%) not transported and considered a missed opportunity for leave-behind naloxone. This opportunity was highest among people who used heroin (55.5%), but remained high among those using pharmaceutical opioids (20.7%) and non-opioids (23.8%). Unique characteristics were observed across all three sub-groups along with longitudinal trends in these characteristics and their impact on non-transport.
Conclusion:
Almost one-third of patients presenting with substance-related emergencies may have benefitted from paramedic leave-behind naloxone. The identification of unique characteristics associated with these opportunities and patient cohorts will support policy makers to develop tailored solutions in response to the pressing need for this intervention.