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This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit\xa0lexipol.com.\nIn this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss innovative approaches in EMS with guests Chief David Lewis and Kyle Gaines from the St. Charles County Ambulance District in Missouri. The district's unique approach to paramedicine, specifically in terms of substance use disorders, opioid use disorders and behavioral health, forms the crux of the conversation.\nLewis shares how the escalating number of overdose cases necessitated a novel approach to community paramedicine. Starting as a passion project to save lives, the St. Charles County Mobile Integrated Healthcare Network was born from a need to tackle the overdose epidemic more effectively.\nInitially adopting a model from Ohio that involved paramedics, social workers and law enforcement officers responding to overdoses, they soon realized patients were reticent to engage when law enforcement was present. This led to the evolution of the program, with paramedics being specially trained to handle sensitive conversations, helping patients access treatment.\nGaines discusses how educating their team members about addiction was instrumental in overcoming initial resistance to the program and ensuring its success. In the years since its inception, the program has grown and has proven to be effective, with about one in four patients they encounter eventually sitting in front of a treatment counselor.\nRead more: $1.5M grant allows SCCAD\u2019s expansion of substance abuse program\nRATE AND REVIEW\nEnjoying the show? Please take a moment to\xa0rate and review us on\xa0Apple Podcasts.\xa0Contact the Inside EMS team at\xa0theshow@ems1.com\xa0to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you\u2019d like to join us as a guest.\nEMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.