BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Burlington Fire Department is implementing what’s called the ‘PREVENT Initiative,’ to combat the opioid crisis in the Queen City.
It stands for Prehospital Vermont EMS Buprenorphine Treatment. The program will allow paramedics to administer buprenorphine after an overdose, a medication is critical for treating opioid use disorder.
Each ambulance is stocked with supplies, including water, to facilitate the administration of buprenorphine film strips. Before administration, EMS personnel will consult medical direction for guidance.
BFD apparatus phones and tablets have been equipped with the MDCalc app, enabling quick and accurate calculation of Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS) scores.
Crews will also be able to refer patients to local recovery programs. The department will be the first in the nation to roll this out.
Officials say this is a monumental occasion for Burlington.
“This initiative marks a turning point in our community’s fight against the opioid epidemic,” EMS Chief McCombie said. “By enabling AEMTs and Paramedics to administer buprenorphine, we are bridging a critical gap in care and paving the way for healthier outcomes for the patients we serve. This is a significant day for Burlington, Vermont, and EMS nationwide.”
The department says the program is complex, and is committed to ongoing training, feedback, and improvement as the initiative evolves.