EMS providers are well-positioned to improve access to naloxone. The " EMS leave-behind " initiative is a promising method of bringing naloxone to those who need it most. Through this program, EMS providers give a naloxone kit directly to people who experience an overdose, their social network, and their family immediately after the event. The goals of an EMS leave-behind program are to improve the patient’s experience and self-efficacy to use naloxone in the event of an overdose, reach patients with this critical information in their home environments, and improve patient awareness of community resources for substance use disorder. 

The Engaging Emergency Medical Services in Naloxone Distribution brief report provides an overview of the naloxone leave-behind program and examples of the program in action in three states.