Support Seattle Fire Department program to help stem overdose deaths

The numbers are staggering.

More than 700 overdose deaths in Seattle in 2023. Each week the Seattle Fire Department responds to more than 100 calls for overdoses.

That’s why a new pilot program to allow Seattle Fire Department paramedics to administer the drug buprenorphine to people who have overdosed on opioids is needed. The drug helps ease withdrawal symptoms for people who have been treated for an overdose, perhaps providing an opportunity for first responders to refer them to treatment. If the pilot proves successful, it should be expanded.

The program started Feb. 20 and since then eight patients have received the drug.

Many times when a person overdoses, someone is nearby to administer naloxone hydrochloride, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin and fentanyl. 

Oftentimes before, and sometimes after, the naloxone is fully absorbed in the bloodstream via a nasal spray, the patient will start to experience withdrawal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. That’s when buprenorphine is administered.

The pilot program could help stem the deaths by overdose, increase the level of trust patients have in first responders and bring more people into treatment. 

“What we’re trying to do is have a conversation that says ‘here’s some medicine that will make you feel better in about 10 minutes,’’’ SFD Medical Director Dr. Michael Sayre said. “Then our team can have a conversation about what to do next.”

For now, 10 of SFD’s 60 paramedics administer the drug, but others will be trained. In addition, emergency medical technicians should also be allowed to administer the drug, since most of the 911 calls for overdose involve EMT response. Those are the first responders who are in direct contact with many who abuse opioids publicly, often downtown.

The fentanyl crisis is expected to continue and will require attention from national, state and local levels of government. Sen. Maria Cantwell, Gov. Jay Inslee, the state Legislature and Mayor Bruce Harrell have focused on stemming the use and availability of the drug. Their commitment to public awareness and funding for treatment must continue.