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Opioid Response Plan

Opioid Response Program

The City of Tacoma Fire Department has developed the following strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorder. Currently our Opioid Response Program has four components: a Narcan distribution program, community training in recognizing an opioid overdose, Safe Station program, and a Mobile Response Unit.  

 

Narcan Distribution Program

In February 2018, TFD pioneered a community distribution program of free “rescue kits” containing the life-saving medication, Narcan, packaged as an easy-to-administer, fast-acting nasal spray. The goal of rescue kits is to reduce morbidity and mortality in the community. Currently, we distribute an average of one rescue kit per week.


Also provided in the kit is:

  • Literature on how to recognize an opioid overdose.

  • Information on how to connect the person to treatment services.

  • Direction on how to obtain a replacement kit.

For additional information about the program, please contact TFD Medical Services Officer, Kurt Gordon at kgordon@cityoftacoma.org.

Community Training

During our free CPR classes, firefighters will teach attendees how to administer the lifesaving drug Narcan to someone experiencing and opioid overdose.
 
Along with CPR skills, class attendees will learn:

  • What opioids are and how they work.

  • Signs and symptoms of overdose.

  • Hands on training for how to administer Narcan nasal spray and injectable.

  • Proper disposal of opioids and other unwanted medications.

picture of narcan

Locations for the free training are generally: Fire Station 8 and Fire Station 16. Visit our CPR page for a class schedule and directions.


For additional information, please contact Firefighter Craig Hanna at channa@cityoftacoma.org.

Safe Station Program

TFD’s Safe Station program offers a safe, welcoming environment that is available 24/7 for residents of Tacoma, Fife and Fircrest seeking help on their journey to healing and recovery from opioid use disorder. The decision to embark on the journey is entirely up to the individual and there are no initial costs to the individual for the services that include:

  • Connection to long-term treatment services

  • Transportation to a medical facility, as needed

TFD's Safe Station program is modeled after the Manchester, New Hampshire program.

  

**At this time, TFD's only designated Safe Station is located at Fire Station 1 (901 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402).

 

Program-related questions can be directed to (253) 534-8734 or cares@cityoftacoma.org. 

 

station 1

TFD Station location map.

 

TFD CARES

The TFD CARES program is a fire department based program designed to:

  • Equip residents with health management tools.

  • Aid in achieving improved health outcomes.

  • Reduce the recurrent use of emergency services.

The program offers, individual case management, community education and support. When they are ready, TFD's Safe Station program and CARES staff are here to help.

Program related questions can be directed to (253) 534-8734 or cares@cityoftcaom.org.



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