Fighting the Opioid Epidemic by Training Fishermen as First Responders

Fishing Partnership Health Plan, New Bedford MA

Investigators

Abstract

Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03) RFA-OH-22-006 Fighting the Opioid Epidemic by Training Fishermen as First Responders Project Summary/Abstract Commercial fishermen are at a significantly higher risk for opioid overdose death, and they are also often the first people to encounter opioid overdoses at sea. The proposed training by Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) will use a community-based model to provide targeted opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training to a diverse group of commercial fishermen. Trainings are delivered by FPSS' Navigators and safety trainers, who are commercial fishermen or members of the fishing community. FPSS has found that fishermen are receptive to trainings delivered by trusted instructors in a manner positioning them as first responders at sea. FPSS has conducted a highly successful pilot program providing targeted OEND training and naloxone to commercial fishermen in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Post-training, the vast majority indicated a willingness to change their health-related behaviors. NIOSH grant funding would enable us to expand training throughout New England and the Mid Atlantic and meet our project's objective: to provide fishermen with the ability to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce the risk of casualties in the maritime and coastal communities. This training grant program supports NORA's objectives by (1) reducing opioid-related injuries and fatalities in the commercial fishing sector; (2) reducing the risk and prevalence of work- related injuries and illness to workers in the commercial fishing sub-sector, by providing preventive ergonomics training and education regarding risk factors; and (3) employing a diverse group of trainers to better reach vulnerable worker groups. It also supports the objective of contributing to enhanced data sharing and collaboration among commercial fishing industry researchers and policymakers, as we plan to engage fishermen, industry leaders, policymakers, health providers, and key stakeholders in providing input and feedback on our trainings, evaluation, and our plan to disseminate knowledge and technological advances. FPSS believes that the proposed training program will enhance Research to Practice by providing a model for related industries; engaging multiple stakeholders to collaboratively identify research needs and questions; designing evaluation tools and conduct studies; and translating and sharing knowledge, interventions, and learnings.