DRUID supports an industry prone to hazards, high stress, and fatigue
Frontline workers in emergency services are exposed to trauma, long hours, and bear the weight of making critical decisions that can determine life or death. Recognizing the importance of the physical and mental well-being of these workers, Impairment Science, Inc. (ISI) is growing its presence with EMS providers and adding experience to its advisory board.
“We are thrilled to have Donald P. Bliss on our Advisory Board,” said Rob Schiller, CEO of Impairment Science. “Don’s expertise in the fire and EMS field and his leadership at both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) will provide guidance as we bring our technology to more providers in this important field of service”. Don’s career spans 40 years, including serving as a municipal fire chief, New Hampshire state fire marshal and NH emergency management director, vice president of field operations for the NFPA and currently as vice-chair of the FEMA National Advisory Council.
“I’m excited to join the team at Impairment Science to help address the important concerns of worker safety and wellness in emergency services today”, said Don. “DRUID technology can serve as an effective tool to support both workers and managers in making smart decisions.
ISI has recently expanded its client base in the EMS arena. In addition to Highland Park DPS and the Fort Worth Fire Department, DRUID was recently deployed by the Johnson County Ambulance District in Warrensburg, MO. Shane Lockart, Johnson County’s CEO and Deputy Chief, was concerned about EMT and paramedic fatigue. The station’s 65 workers rotate between five different stations on a 24-hour service. “With overtime, it’s hard to know how much sleep someone’s had before getting on the job. We’ve had some incidents lately that have elevated the concern. Plus, with the legalization of recreational marijuana in Missouri, we needed a proven cognitive testing solution and decided to go with DRUID”.
Occupational risks of EMS workers include stress, fatigue, substance and alcohol abuse, and burnout. According to SAMHSA, 20% of EMS workers suffer from sleep deprivation, 36% are at increased risk of substance abuse, and 72% of EMS workers suffer from depression. The current methods for testing impairment - drug and alcohol testing - are outdated and do not test for all the many other causes of impairment. Plus, drug testing for cannabis is ineffective because the drug remains bodily present for days or weeks while the impairment it causes lasts only for 1-3 hours.
For more information on DRUID impairment detection technology, please contact us at 617-612-5800 or info@impairmentscience.com, or visit our website at www.impairmentscience.com.