Understanding substance use triggers in emergency medical services clinicians
Official title: Identifying Modifiable Momentary Predictors of Substance Use in High Risk Emergency Medical Services Clinicians
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11065104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes emergency medical workers to use alcohol and cannabis, especially since their jobs can be really stressful, and it aims to find ways to better support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA062393-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are full-time EMS clinicians who use alcohol or cannabis more than twice a week.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not EMS clinicians or do not engage in regular substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that contribute to substance use among emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, who often face high levels of job-related stress. By using ecological momentary assessments, the study aims to collect real-time data on the momentary predictors of alcohol and cannabis use in these professionals. The goal is to identify specific stressors and coping mechanisms that may lead to substance use, ultimately helping to develop better support strategies for EMS clinicians. Participants will be recruited from a national pool of full-time EMS workers who regularly use these substances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support and coping strategies for EMS clinicians, reducing their risk of substance use.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on substance use in first responders, this approach using ecological momentary assessments is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this population.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plaitano, Enzo Gianni — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Plaitano, Enzo Gianni
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.