Ambulance Calls for Substance-Related Issues Before and After COVID-19
Scott G. Weiner, Rebecca E. Cash, Michelle A. Hendricks, Sanae El Ibrahimi, Olesya Baker, Raghu R. Seethala, Gregory A. Peters, Scott A. Goldberg
Abstract
: After an initial decline in substance-related ambulance calls following a statewide declaration of emergency, calls for substance use increased to pre-COVID-19 levels, while those for other reasons remained at a lower rate. The results suggest that COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting individuals with substance use disorder.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)PandemicMedical emergencySubstance useCoronavirus InfectionsBetacoronavirusVirologyPsychiatryInternal medicineOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsDisaster Response and ManagementEmergency and Acute Care Studies