As reported by the Seattle Fire Department (SFD), the City of Seattle is expanding its Buprenorphine Pilot Program, making it the first city in the U.S. to equip firefighter/emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to administer buprenorphine in the field. Previously, only paramedics were trained for this role.
This expansion aims to increase the city’s capacity to offer buprenorphine, a medication used to treat patients experiencing severe opioid withdrawal.
“Providing treatment for people suffering from substance use disorder and addiction is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
He emphasized the importance of this program in addressing the opioid crisis, noting that the treatment improves the chances of follow-up care.
SFD currently has about 35 paramedics trained to administer buprenorphine and has begun training firefighter/EMTs.
The initial group includes personnel from the department’s post-overdose response unit, Health 99, and the Health One units.
The Washington State Department of Health approved the expansion, with around 20 firefighter/EMTs expected to complete their training by mid-October and begin administering the drug later this month.
Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said: “This allows us to continue meeting patients where they are at, versus only providing access to the medication at facilities.”
He highlighted the critical role of the Health 99 and Health One units in engaging patients in follow-up discussions about long-term treatment options.
Seattle has faced a rising number of overdoses. SFD responds to more than 35 overdose cases weekly, and its Health 99 unit has attended to over 514 cases since its inception.
In 2023, Public Health – Seattle and King County reported 735 overdose deaths in the city.
SFD Medical Director Dr. Michael Sayre stated: “Buprenorphine effectively treats opioid withdrawal.” He noted that by expanding this program, more patients would gain access to vital medication.
SFD’s Mobile Integrated Health program has partnered with Harborview Medical Center to evaluate the outcomes of field administration of buprenorphine.
Initial results show that patients treated with buprenorphine have higher success rates in scheduling follow-up care.
These findings are part of a research project led by a University of Washington emergency medicine resident, Dr. Kira Gressman.
“Initial results show that patients who receive this medicine have a higher success rate of scheduling follow-up appointments,” said Jon Ehrenfeld, MIH Program Manager.
The expansion of the buprenorphine program is supported by additional investments in Mayor Harrell’s proposed 2025 budget, which allocates $14.5 million for addressing the opioid crisis.
This includes $5.7 million for the creation of the Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center and $2.85 million for expanding detox services and inpatient treatment beds at Valley Cities Recovery Place Seattle.
Councilmember Robert Kettle said: “This first-in-the-nation initiative shows that Seattle is serious in its approach to reducing opioid overdoses.”
Seattle is expanding its Buprenorphine Pilot Program, making it the first U.S. city to allow firefighter/EMTs to administer the medication in the field, in addition to paramedics.
This initiative is part of Seattle’s broader efforts to address the opioid crisis, with around 20 firefighter/EMTs expected to complete training by mid-October.
The expansion was approved by the Washington State Department of Health, and the program is supported by additional public health investments in the city’s 2025 budget.
