PULSE Magazine | February 2020 Issue

EMS-1.COM, L. French

Opioid pilot program saved 200 lives in Texas county

The program includes both short-term and long-term measures to improve the survival of those dealing with substance abuse issues

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A pilot program at a Texas county EMS saved 200 people from dying due to overdose over the past year, officials say. The Opioid Emergency Response program, launched by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) with Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, includes both short-term and long-term measures to improve the survival of those dealing with substance abuse issues, according to KVUE. Through the program, EMS providers have distributed opioid rescue kits containing gloves, fentanyl test strips and doses of naloxone, which EMS Commander Blake Hardy says have reduced the opioid overdose calls the agency has received since the program began last year. The opioid response team also connects overdose patients with resources, including medication-assisted treatment and peer support, recovery and preven- tion programs, as well as makes follow up visits to check in on patients’ progress. Hardy said if someone uses their kit, the agency will refill it for them, which he says occurs about 10 times per month

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