Following an opioid overdose, an MAT medic will follow specific guidelines and administer buprenorphine which is given sublingually (or under the tongue) to dissolve. Once withdrawal symptoms are controlled, the MAT medic will gather the patient's information and provide them with Narcan kits, substance use and mental health information, and educational materials.

Within the next 12-24 hours, a Community Paramedic (CP) will meet with the person who received the MAT. The CP will administer an additional dose of buprenorphine, to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. Then the CP or a Peer Support Specialist will work with the patient to connect them to a long term MAT provider/clinic to continue their recovery from opioid addiction.

Once the referral is made, the Community Paramedic team will stay in touch with the patient to support them as they begin their recovery journey.

People beginning recovery never need to feel they are alone.