Training fishermen to respond to opioid overdoses

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic by Training Fishermen as First Responders

NIH-funded research Fishing Partnership Health Plan · NIH-10771635

This study is teaching commercial fishermen how to help save lives during opioid overdoses at sea by giving them the training and tools they need, like naloxone, to act quickly in emergencies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFishing Partnership Health Plan NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Bedford, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10771635 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on training commercial fishermen to act as first responders to opioid overdoses, particularly at sea where they are often the first to encounter such incidents. The program will provide targeted education on opioid overdose prevention and naloxone distribution, delivered by experienced trainers from the fishing community. By utilizing a community-based approach, the training aims to empower fishermen with the knowledge and tools necessary to save lives and reduce opioid-related fatalities in maritime environments. The initiative builds on a successful pilot program in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and seeks to expand its reach throughout New England and the Mid Atlantic.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are commercial fishermen and those working in maritime occupations who may encounter opioid overdoses.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the fishing industry or maritime occupations may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths among fishermen and improve overall safety in coastal communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot programs have shown success in training fishermen to respond to opioid overdoses, indicating a promising approach for broader implementation.

Where this research is happening

New Bedford, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.