1. City of Tacoma Fire Department
TFD CARES and Opioid Initiatives

2. Tacoma Fire Jurisdiction
235,000 citizens served
43,000 medical service calls and growing each year
2017: 739 citizens served by TFD-EMS for opioid-use effects.
2017: 400 non-fatal overdoses treated by TFD-EMS.
TFD CARES
Non-emergency medical services
Team-based care including Nurses, Social Workers, CHW’s, support staff.
Case Management and Referral support.
University, technical college, community college clinical rotations.

3. Our Opioid Initiatives
2012: Start of TFD CARES.
940 citizens since 2013
97% reduction in 911-EMS call volumes
Worked with over 400 Community Partners to assist citizens.
2015: Recognized increase in opioid overdoses 911-EMS call volumes.
2016: Started first Fire Department led Narcan leave-behind program in the nation.
2017: TFD CARES started managing overdose patients referred by paramedics involved in opioid related 911-calls.
2018: Awarded DOH Grant to improve treatment success among opioid users accessing 911-EMS. This will be the first fire department based mobile opioid unit providing MAT in the nation.
2019: TFD CARES Opioid Unit will be accessible to 911-EMS and police teams for any incident identified on-scene to be related to opioids.
2019: Safe Stations starting 3/1/19, with roll-out of 1 station.
Our Opioid Initiatives

4. PC Opioid Task Force Priorities
Prevention and Education
Previous education with local PC Jails and tribal police relating to Narcan.
Looking ahead planning to further support PC Jails and Tribe with Opioid Unit.
Access to Treatment
EMS Narcan leave behind kit.
TFD CARES Opioid Unit to provide MAT and connection to long-term MAT provider.
TFD CARES Opioid Unit will extend MAT induction as needed to PC Jail and Tribal Authority.
Safe Stations: Walk-ins can go to station and receive treatment option navigation by TFD CARES.
The Right Services
TFD CARES Opioid Unit will extend provision of case management and referral services.
Connect patients to treatment providers and social services to ensure successful treatment outcomes.