Timely access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine, is critical for increasing the chances that opioid users will enter treatment. Survivors of an opioid overdose who receive naloxone (Narcan) experience acute withdrawal which can be alleviated by taking buprenorphine (Suboxone). By offering survivors Suboxone, EMS workers for the Hennepin Healthcare EMS Buprenorphine Program relieve their withdrawal symptoms and start them on a potential course of treatment. Staff are trained using an administration protocol and a study of the program found that Suboxone administration resulted in no complications for patients.

Patients given Suboxone transported to hospital emergency departments have the opportunity to engage with medical professionals trained in opioid addiction. After discharge from the hospital they can be provided with a bridging prescription of buprenorphine and information for a clinic where they can continue treatment. As described in an EMS news report, in the program's first year staff administered Suboxone over 120 times with no repeat EMS visits within 24 hours, and 11 patients were in sustained treatment at 30 days, demonstrating the feasibility of pre-hospital buprenorphine induction by paramedics. The program can be contacted here.