Sunday, December 22, 2024
12/22/2024
Abstract: FY 2024 SAMHSA Rural EMS Training Grant The Vermont Rural EMS Training Program (VREMS), an initiative of the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine's Department of Emergency Medicine, is launching a collaborative effort with the Vermont Department of Health to transform emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas of Vermont. Aimed at tackling the opioid crisis, addressing EMS workforce attrition, and enhancing emergency response capabilities, VREMS combines three integral components: the Vermont Initiative for Treatment and Linkage (VITAL), the Prehospital Vermont EMS Buprenorphine Treatment program (PREVENT), and a comprehensive array of EMS initial and continuing education courses. VITAL targets the enhancement of care continuity for individuals with opioid use disorders by ensuring those who decline transport to emergency departments are connected with essential recovery resources and would be initiated throughout Vermont under this proposal. A cornerstone of VREMS, the PREVENT program, equips EMS personnel with the ability to administer buprenorphine after an overdose reversal, facilitating effective opioid withdrawal management and smooth transition to long-term treatment. This innovative approach signifies a major advancement in prehospital care and addiction management and would be initially started in three rural Vermont communities. Emphasizing workforce development, VREMS provides specialized training and education to EMS personnel, including opportunities for high school students to pursue free EMT education with the possibility of obtaining college credits. This strategy would bolster the capabilities of the current Vermont EMS workforce by 50 First Responders and 80 EMTs, while attracting future EMS professionals, addressing the need for a sustainable EMS workforce in rural Vermont. VREMS operates under a comprehensive approach that combines expert-led training, utilization of state EMS infrastructure, and educational partnerships, aiming to improve the accessibility and quality of emergency care in rural communities. By integrating immediate improvements in emergency response with long-term workforce development, this initiative stands as a significant effort to advance rural EMS services in Vermont. Particularly, the introduction of buprenorphine administration in prehospital settings through the PREVENT program highlights VREMS's dedication to innovative solutions for combating the opioid epidemic, ultimately enhancing patient care and community health.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).