Understanding substance use triggers in emergency medical services clinicians

Identifying Modifiable Momentary Predictors of Substance Use in High Risk Emergency Medical Services Clinicians

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11065104

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11065104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are full-time EMS clinicians who use alcohol or cannabis more than twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients who are not EMS clinicians or do not engage in regular substance use may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

HANOVER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.