Boulder Fire-Rescue and AMR have long carried and administered naloxone in the field, this program provides free kits handed out by staff after an opioid overdose or other high-risk encounter.

BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder Fire-Rescue and our ambulance transport contractor American Medical Response (AMR), have launched a new harm reduction program in partnership with The Naloxone Project. The initiative provides free naloxone kits — commonly known as Narcan — that our staff will leave with patients, family members, or bystanders after an opioid overdose or other high-risk encounter. Boulder Fire-Rescue and AMR have long carried and administered naloxone in the field.

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. Each kit includes nasal spray, step-by-step instructions, and local treatment resources in multiple languages. Funding comes from harm reduction grants and state-supported programs.

AMR paramedics can now also give buprenorphine to certain patients revived from an overdose. This medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms making recovery less overwhelming. After receiving the medication, patients are connected to local providers who can support them in continuing care.

“This program allows Boulder Fire-Rescue and AMR to extend care beyond the immediate crisis by offering tools that can save a life and open the door to recovery. I’m proud that we are moving this initiative forward. It reflects our values, our compassion, and our shared commitment to reducing preventable deaths in our community.” said Jenna Steege, EMS Chief of Boulder Fire-Rescue.

Learn more about the program at bouldercolorado.gov/boulder-fire-rescue-and-naloxone-project. Naloxone will not be available for pick up at local fire stations through this program.

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