Quality First Aid Training

Going the extra mile to help those dealing with opioids overdose..

This month, our Seattle firefighter/EMTs who work on the Post Overdose Response Unit (Health 99) administered buprenorphine at their 100th patient encounter in the field. Buprenorphine is given to patients who are being treated for an op**te overdose or to those actively experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It temporarily stabilizes patients and provides short-term relief from withdrawal symptoms to allow emergency responders to better engage in conversations around treatment, recovery and social services.

Testimonial from the field: Health 99 responded to an overdose in the Belltown neighborhood and administered buprenorphine to a patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Once his symptoms were relieved, he began talking to the crew about his desire to stop using fentanyl. The patient was transported to the DESC Opioid Treatment Network where he was able to receive an immediate intake and a first dose of Sublocade, a long-acting injectable form of buprenorphine. Following this visit, the team picked him up from the clinic and took him back to his shelter bed in Queen Anne, with plans to continue engaging with the clinic. Two days later the crew met with him again and reported that he looked healthy, well-rested, and was making plans to continue his recovery and reunite with family.

Read more about this milestone on Fireline: https://fireline.seattle.gov/2025/08/22/seattle-fire-department-firefighter-emts-administer-buprenorphine-at-100th-patient-encounter-in-the-field/

It was an honor to be recognized as a recipient of the Community Service Award for nearly four decades as a Seattle Fire Department Medic 2 instructor. Individuals frequently inquire about my continued involvement in this capacity after retiring from the Renton Regional Fire Authority (formerly the Renton Fire Department and Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department) for nearly 17 years. My motivation stems from my unwavering passion for assisting and training individuals in identifying emergencies, thereby enabling them to safely and effectively utilize their life-saving skills with the potential to save a life. My aspiration is to dedicate the remainder of my life to this noble endeavor. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Seattle Fire Department Medic 2 for permitting me to continue pursuing a cause that can genuinely make a difference in saving lives.

Go to the 39 minute mark of the below link for the beginning of the community awards presentation.

2024 Annual Awards Luncheon - Livestream Recording