Tools to address opioid overdoses, such as Narcan spray, are displayed. Paramedics at some agencies now carry buprenorphine to control withdrawals post-overdose.
Photo coutesy South County Fire
Since the summer, firefighters and social workers have a new tool to help people who have overdosed on opioids.
Paramedics from Everett Fire Department, South County Fire and North County Fire are participating in a pilot program that allows them to administer buprenorphine that provides short-term relief from withdrawal systems after an overdose.
“Addressing opioid overdoses requires more than just immediate response; it’s essential to stabilize patients and connect them to recovery resources,” Medical Services Officer Brent Molsberry with the Everett Fire Department, said in an email. “By administering buprenorphine, we can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and open the door for meaningful conversations about treatment and support.”
Since the program started in July 2024, 21 people within Everett have accepted buprenorphine from paramedics. Ninety percent of those people have engaged with embedded social workers from the city of Everett’s CARE Team, who are social workers who partner with the police department, fire department and other city departments.
Rachael Doniger, public information officer for the Everett Fire Department, said that, conservatively, the Everett Fire Department has responded to more than 470 overdose incidents in the year.
Paramedics with South County Fire have administered buprenorphine to people 18 times since the program started and around seven have gone into treatment.
“We meet them where they’re at in their crisis and provide answers for them,” said Capt. Keith Sharp with South County Fire.
Sharp said fire departments have different ways to pay for the buprenorphine pilot program. South County Fire received a $350,000 grant from the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance working with the University of Washington School of Social Work, according to information from South County Fire. Everett is funding the program through its EMS levy, Doniger said.
Buprenorphine is a narcotic medication that prevents withdrawal symptoms and reduces craving without producing a high, which is essential to help manage opioid addiction, Doniger said. Narcan is used to stop an overdose while buprenorphine helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Patients must give consent before it is administered.
“It prevents people from overdosing in the next 24-to-36 hours,” Sharp said.
Doniger said people experiencing overdoses are susceptible to severe withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of the first overdose.
While Everett has a team of social workers that works with city departments, South County Fire has community resource paramedics, which combines paramedic skills with social worker skills.
The first social workers began working with Everett firefighters in 2023 and help connect patients with resources.
“The collaboration of firefighters and social workers has been a game changer, providing essential support to those in our community who need it the most, Doniger said in an email. “With embedded socials workers in our department, we can now offer enhanced care and remove barriers to accessing services.”
Everett’s social workers respond to a range of situations from overdoses to behavioral health situations, to unhoused people looking for resources, said Kelli Roark, a licensed social worker with Everett’s CARE Team. Social workers started responding to 911 calls months ago. If a call is to a familiar address, they ask if they can respond. If a social worker can’t respond with firefighters, then they follow-up within the next business day.
“Treatment is not linear and it’s unique for each individual person,” Roark said.
Treatment for an opioid overdose victim varies, Roark said. Treatment could include family support, medication, or inpatient or outpatient services.
“By integrating our paramedics with social work professionals, we are redefining our response to opioid emergencies. This approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery. Our goal is to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives and foster a healthier community for everyone,” Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco said in an email.
