Opioid prescriptions have declined sharply over the last several years, but drug overdose continues to be a major cause of accidental death throughout the United States. Illicit opioids, especially synthetics like fentanyl, continue to be the primary causative agent, but stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are also becoming more prevalent. A first responder may encounter […]

First responders often carry lingering mental images of crisis and overarching feelings of despair. When a shift is over, firefighters, police officers, and dispatchers go to their homes and families, expected to enjoy their off time, but instead are filled with sadness. Brains are trained to process trauma the same way, but individual coping capacity can […]

At the 2022 PRIMA conference, a session discussed the impact that presumptions are having on the grand bargain of workers’ compensation. The speakers were: DeeAnn Wagner – Sedgwick Paula Lowder – Colorado Special Districts Property & Liability Pool Helana Barmore – Texas Association of Counties Jeff Rush – California JPIA When workers’ compensation was initially […]

At the 2022 PARMA Conference, a session discussed the evolving ways that police departments are responding to situations involving mentally ill suspects. Speakers included: Kevin Allen – Allen, Glaessner, Hazerwood & Werth John Robinson – Allen, Glaessner, Hazerwood & Werth Thomas Sims – Watsonville Police Department About 10% of police interactions involve someone with mental […]

At the 2022 PARMA Annual Conference, a panel discussed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims for public entity employees. Speakers included: Dr Ron Heredia – Westwood Evaluation and Treatment Center Vicki Lindquist – Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi LLP Dr. Tyrone Spears – City of Los Angeles Under California law, a “violent act” causing a mental […]