According to Fire Line Seattle, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD), with support from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), continues its groundbreaking buprenorphine pilot program.
Seattle became the first city in the United States to allow firefighters and EMTs to administer buprenorphine, a medication designed to treat opioid use disorder.
Initially launched with paramedics this spring, the program was expanded this fall to include firefighters and EMTs.
Since its inception, 38 paramedics and 11 firefighters/EMTs have been trained to administer the medication.
By December 9, 2024, 48 patients had been treated in the field.
Buprenorphine addresses withdrawal symptoms following naloxone administration, which reverses opioid overdoses but often triggers severe withdrawal.
A single dose of buprenorphine provides 24 to 48 hours of protection and has been shown to halve long-term mortality from opioid addiction.
Fire Chief Harold Scoggins emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This allows us to continue meeting patients where they are at, versus only providing access to the medication at facilities.” The program aims to stabilize patients in pre-hospital settings and guide them toward treatment and recovery.
Seattle’s Health 99 and Health One units play critical roles in post-overdose responses.
The Health 99 unit, staffed with a firefighter/EMT and a caseworker, provides follow-up services and treatment outreach.
Since its launch in July 2023, the unit has responded to 752 calls, including 629 overdoses, and distributed over 600 naloxone kits.
Dr. Michael Sayre, SFD Medical Director, stated: “Buprenorphine effectively treats opioid withdrawal.
“Empowering EMTs in the Health One program to administer buprenorphine expands the number of patients with quick access to this lifesaving medication.”
In line with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2023 Executive Order on the fentanyl epidemic, the City of Seattle has tripled investments in health-focused programs.
This includes funding for additional Health 99 units and post-overdose stabilization centers, where patients can access further care.
Mayor Harrell commented: “This evidence-backed pilot makes treatment and care more accessible to the people who need it most, creating a real opportunity for outreach providers to engage a person in a conversation about getting help.”
The City’s Mobile Integrated Health program now includes expanded services and collaborations with clinics and crisis centers to strengthen the recovery pathway for opioid survivors.
Seattle’s buprenorphine pilot program equips paramedics, firefighters, and EMTs to administer the medication, offering immediate relief to overdose survivors.
Buprenorphine stabilizes patients and facilitates connections to treatment.
Seattle’s Health 99 and Health One units enhance post-overdose response efforts, providing outreach and distributing naloxone kits.
The program aligns with the City’s increased funding for opioid crisis initiatives, including new stabilization centers and expanded Mobile Integrated Health services.
