County of Monterey Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new program, in partnership with Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties, to expand buprenorphine distribution by emergency responders to reduce opioid overdoses. “In response to the ongoing narcotic epidemic, Monterey County has joined forces with Santa Cruz and San Benito County EMS Agencies in a tri-county program to enable paramedics to administer buprenorphine to patients in opioid withdrawal or following a near-fatal opioid overdose,” stated Dr. John Beuerle, Medical Director, Monterey County EMS Agency. “The tri-County initiative is a paradigm shift in how we approach and treat addiction, and it provides hope and assistance to patients during a time when they need it the most.” For an overdose, naloxone (Narcan) is a critical life-saving medication, but it does nothing to address the underlying demand for opioids. Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings, and is one of th
The latest South County News