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EMS pilot adds buprenorphine and shows drop in frequent 911 users, SFFD says
Summary
Deputy Chief Sandy Tong reported the EMS division averaged about 361 calls per day in April and that community paramedics have begun administering buprenorphine in a pilot, with seven administrations so far and a reported 68% drop among the top 20 frequent 911 users.
Deputy Chief Sandy Tong, head of EMS and community paramedicine, told commissioners that EMS handled roughly 361 calls per day in April (about 11,000 calls that month) and that the EMS division's market share rose to about 77%.
Tong highlighted the City EMT partnership and training exercises and said the department graduated seven new paramedics. On community paramedicine, Tong said the street overdose team began administering buprenorphine (Suboxone) under a state pilot and "we've already provided 7 administrations" as of April.
Tong also presented program‑evaluation data showing a 68% decrease in utilization among the top 20 frequent 911 callers from March to April, a change the department attributes to community paramedicine outreach and targeted case work. "That to us is really showing the effectiveness of our EMS 6 providers," Tong said.
Commissioners praised the program and asked for continued monitoring and data sharing; Tong said the department will continue to track outcomes and collaborate with regional partners for mutual‑aid and strike‑team responses.
