TAMPA, Fla. — Inside the back of his vehicle, Cameron Pelzel sorts through his medical gear. Each piece is a vital tool to help someone following an overdose. 

Part of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's Transcare Medical Transportation Division, Pelzel is part of the newly launched paramedicine program.

“The fentanyl crisis in the entire state of Florida is out of proportion,” said Pelzel, community paramedic with the center.

“The Florida CORE (Coordinated Opioid Recovery) program that this program was developed from is statewide. So all of these programs can be adopted in every single county.”

The program is free and designed to help those with substance use disorders. It usually begins once someone has overdosed and is in the emergency room. 

From there, Pelzel helps give the person daily medical care and even medication assisted treatment until they can be placed in to a recovery center. That can last anywhere from one to seven days. 

Pelzel is always the person a patient meets with, no matter how many days go by. 

“You kind of get that bonding, you know, reduces a lot of stigma and just as a paramedic, as a health care professional, I’m definitely not here to judge. I’m just here to make sure that we provide the help that you need,” said Pelzel. 

The program began on Dec., 16 and has already helped 24 people.

For more information or to enroll in the program, contact the Community Paramedicine office at (813) 969-4911 or at community.paramedic@crisiscenter.com.