Seattle is the first city in the country that allows firefighters/EMTs to administer this lifesaving medicine
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined the Seattle Fire Department (SFD), emergency medical responders, and health experts from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to give a progress update on SFD’s Buprenorphine Pilot Program.
The pilot program launched this spring with paramedics allowed to administer buprenorphine, a medication to treat opioid use disorder and reduce the risk of future overdoses, in the field for patients being treated for a non-fatal opioid overdose or those actively experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Following authorization from the state, Seattle became the first city in the country to allow firefighters/emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to administer the medicine this fall, expanding access to this treatment option.
“Seattle continues to be a national leader in health-focused approaches to combat the fentanyl and synthetic opioid crisis,” said Mayor Harrell. “This evidence-backed pilot makes treatment and care more accessible to the people who need it most, and stopping painful withdrawal symptoms after an overdose creates a real opportunity for outreach providers to engage a person in a conversation about getting help. I’m grateful for the partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Seattle Fire Department on this innovative effort to give our first responders another tool to save lives and help people suffering from addiction find a path to recovery.”
“The Department of Health is committed to supporting the health and well-being of Washingtonians and combating the opioid crisis that threatens the lives of our communities,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “This pilot program is a step toward achieving that goal by bringing essential care closer to those who need it most. We deeply appreciate the efforts of our first responders who are on the frontlines of this critical mission helping achieve the goal of making our communities healthy and safe.”
Many patients experience immediate withdrawal symptoms after an overdose is reversed with naloxone. This medication stabilizes the patient and alleviates withdrawal symptoms, allowing first responders to engage the patient in a conversation around treatment, recovery, and social service connections.
A single dose of buprenorphine provides 24 to 48 hours of protection from opioid overdose. Regular use of buprenorphine has been shown to cut long term mortality from opioid addiction in half.
“I want to thank the Washington State DOH for moving us forward on this initiative to train more of our personnel to administer this medication to the people we serve. This allows us to continue meeting patients where they are at, versus only providing access to the medication at facilities. Individuals who receive buprenorphine are often more open to discussions about follow-up treatment, and our Health 99 and Health One units are well equipped to navigate those conversations,” said Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.
Since the pilot program began, 38 SFD paramedics and 11 firefighters/EMTs have been trained to administer the medication. Through December 9, 2024, 48 patients have been treated with buprenorphine.
“Buprenorphine effectively treats opioid withdrawal. Empowering the EMTs in the Health One program to administer buprenorphine expands the number of patients with quick access to this life saving medication,” said SFD’s Medical Director Dr. Michael Sayre.
Administering buprenorphine in a pre-hospital setting is the latest step the City is taking to help combat the fentanyl epidemic. Building off Mayor Harrell’s Executive Order issued in April 2023, the fire department launched a pilot program for a post-overdose response team called Health 99. The unit staffed with a firefighter/EMT and case worker to provide follow-up outreach services after a non-fatal overdose.
Since its launch in July 2023, the Health 99 post overdose response unit has responded 752 times in the field. Of those, 629 were for overdoses. The unit has also distributed more than 600 doses of naloxone in leave-behind kits to patients, friends, and bystanders.
Once a patient receives naloxone to reverse an overdose, Health 99 can respond to the scene to engage the patient in a conversation about available treatment options. Many times, patients will be transported to an Emergency Department or a center that offers care for post-overdose treatment, like Hobson Place, King County Pathways Clinic, or Crisis Solutions Center. Once the post overdose recovery center opens, Health 99 will also be able to transport patients there for additional stabilization and connection to treatment.
“We are thrilled to put this effective and lifesaving medication in the hands of the firefighter/EMTs on the Health 99 team,” said Jon Ehrenfeld, Program Manager, Mobile Integrated Health. “Together with new post-overdose stabilization centers, peer services, and treatment partners, we are building toward an evidence-based system of care for opioid overdose survivors.”
In the 2025-2026 budget, the City tripled investments in health-focused programs and initiatives to address the opioid crisis and save lives. The budget also expanded the SFD’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, adding another unit to the Health 99 post-overdose response team.
“Providing access to buprenorphine through Health One and Health 99 is a key step in addressing the overdose crisis and saving lives,” said Tanya Kim, Director of the Seattle Human Services Department. “In this effort, the Seattle Human Services Department’s caseworkers play an integral role in offering personalized support and guiding individuals toward treatment. By combining these efforts, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for recovery and reinforcing our commitment to a compassionate approach to the opioid crisis.”