What is NH Project First?
NH Project FIRST is a hub-and-spoke program developed and implemented by the New Hampshire Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services. It is funded through a four-year Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) First Responder-Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (FR-CARA) grant. The program aims to reduce opioid overdoses and overdose deaths in New Hampshire using first responders trained by the Division to perform program activities in their communities.
Goals & Objectives
NH Project FIRST uses a multi-faceted approach that includes education and training, and places naloxone kits and recovery resources directly into the hands of those that need them. High-level program goals are to:
Educate
Increase access to naloxone
Form connections
Provide grant funding
Why get involved?
Despite efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, New Hampshire remains among the top 5 states for opioid overdose deaths (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019) . The state had 350 confirmed deaths in 2019 caused by opioids and other drugs, with another 59 deaths pending toxicology results (NH Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 2020).
Confirmed Opioid Overdose Deaths in 2019
Deaths Pending Toxicology Results
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unanticipated haven for those affected by opioid misuse. Stay-at-home orders and loss of physical connections to support networks created challenging barriers to recovery. These barriers, coupled with mental health conditions that commonly affect those with substance use disorders, created a climate for a “national relapse trigger”, setting the stage for increased overdoses and overdose deaths (Silva & Kelly, 2020).
New Hampshire declared a state of Emergency due to COVID-19 on March 13, 2020. Trends show that since April, two data points, EMS Narcan Administrations and Opioid-Related Emergency Department Visits, have been increasing. Between April and May, EMS Narcan Administrations increased by 18% and Opioid-Related Emergency Department Visits increased by 60% during the same period (Drug Monitoring Initiative, 2020)4
Choose your Path
Supporting first responders
Family, Friends, First Responders
When drug use turns deadly, minutes count and the availability of an opioid overdose kit can be the difference between life and death. NH Project FIRST empowers first responders to support their communities by preparing those in the best position to act quickly.
Naloxone is not the only answer to the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire. Education, training, and connections to help are key components too. First responders can reduce opioid overdoses and overdose deaths through community education and outreach. We are here to support our first responders by providing resources consisting of:
- Training and education on opioid use disorder, outreach, and more,
- Program planning, implementation, and evaluation assistance,
- Customizable brochures and promotional outreach materials,
- Connections to stakeholders in your community to build capacity for your program,
- Naloxone kits
Let's make a difference in your community, together.
Sometimes help can be right in your community
Helping People Find a Path to Recovery
When drug use turns deadly, minutes count and the availability of an opioid overdose kit can be the difference between life and death. We help provide community members with naloxone and training to save to save lives. Sometimes the biggest barriers to recovery are not knowing where to turn and reluctance to reach out for help. NH Project FIRST assists community members by providing resources consisting of:
- Training at-risk individuals and their family and friends on CPR (non-certified), rescue breathing, naloxone administration, and the Good Samaritan law
- Distributing emergency opioid overdose kits and resource information directly into the hands of those who need it most
- Helping people and their support networks to make connections to recovery and other services
Let's make a difference in your community, together.
Apply for Funding
To embark on NH Project FIRST, open the Application Checklist on this web page and follow the steps provided. See the grant guidance and fillable PDF application to start the application process.
Our NH Project FIRST communities have shared components of their program proposals and mobile integrated healthcare plans. These components are included below as templates to assist you with program planning and development. The NH Project team can help you plan, develop, and set milestones for your program.
In order to submit your application for a new emergency medical services provider license, please follow the steps enumerated below.
Fingerprinting (must be completed first)
Ink-based or electronic (aka “Live Scan”) fingerprinting are both acceptable. Fingerprinting services can often be provided by your local police department and is also available at the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord (Call for appointment (603) 223-3867). Physical documentation, whether inked cards or electronic Live Scan receipt (see example here), must be included with all required documents in your application process.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 the “Live Scan” digital fingerprinting service provided by New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord is closed until further notice. Please check with your local police department about fingerprinting services.
Fill out and complete the New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form (CHRI) and include with your application
Fill out and complete the “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants” and include with your application
Scope of Practice
Complete an approved, level-appropriate, New Hampshire Scope of Practice program. Scope of Practice online program is available through the NHFA & EMS online classroom or state-wide programs can be found at the EMS Course Catalog.
Take and pass the New Hampshire Protocol Exam at the level corresponding to your training (Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic).
Submittal of Documentation
Compile the documentation produced by the steps above and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. All required documents are listed below:
- Completed “New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form” (CHRI)
- Ink-based fingerprint card OR Electronic Fingerprint Live Scan receipt
- Payment ($48.25) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit” OR If you are are submitting “Application for EMS Provider License WAIVER: COVID-19 March 2020″ for fingerprinting waiver, payment ($25.00) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit”
- Completed “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants”
- Copy of National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) card
and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at:
NHDOS-Bureau of EMS: Licensing
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
In order to submit your application for a new emergency medical services provider license, please follow the steps enumerated below.
Fingerprinting (must be completed first)
Ink-based or electronic (aka “Live Scan”) fingerprinting are both acceptable. Fingerprinting services can often be provided by your local police department and is also available at the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord (Call for appointment (603) 223-3867). Physical documentation, whether inked cards or electronic Live Scan receipt (see example here), must be included with all required documents in your application process.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 the “Live Scan” digital fingerprinting service provided by New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord is closed until further notice. Please check with your local police department about fingerprinting services.
Fill out and complete the New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form (CHRI) and include with your application
Fill out and complete the “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants” and include with your application
Scope of Practice
Complete an approved, level-appropriate, New Hampshire Scope of Practice program. Scope of Practice online program is available through the NHFA & EMS online classroom or state-wide programs can be found at the EMS Course Catalog.
Take and pass the New Hampshire Protocol Exam at the level corresponding to your training (Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic).
Submittal of Documentation
Compile the documentation produced by the steps above and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. All required documents are listed below:
- Completed “New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form” (CHRI)
- Ink-based fingerprint card OR Electronic Fingerprint Live Scan receipt
- Payment ($48.25) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit” OR If you are are submitting “Application for EMS Provider License WAIVER: COVID-19 March 2020″ for fingerprinting waiver, payment ($25.00) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit”
- Completed “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants”
- Copy of National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) card
and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at:
NHDOS-Bureau of EMS: Licensing
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
In order to submit your application for a new emergency medical services provider license, please follow the steps enumerated below.
Fingerprinting (must be completed first)
Ink-based or electronic (aka “Live Scan”) fingerprinting are both acceptable. Fingerprinting services can often be provided by your local police department and is also available at the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord (Call for appointment (603) 223-3867). Physical documentation, whether inked cards or electronic Live Scan receipt (see example here), must be included with all required documents in your application process.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 the “Live Scan” digital fingerprinting service provided by New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit in Concord is closed until further notice. Please check with your local police department about fingerprinting services.
Fill out and complete the New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form (CHRI) and include with your application
Fill out and complete the “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants” and include with your application
Scope of Practice
Complete an approved, level-appropriate, New Hampshire Scope of Practice program. Scope of Practice online program is available through the NHFA & EMS online classroom or state-wide programs can be found at the EMS Course Catalog.
Take and pass the New Hampshire Protocol Exam at the level corresponding to your training (Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic).
Submittal of Documentation
Compile the documentation produced by the steps above and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. All required documents are listed below:
- Completed “New Hampshire Criminal History Record Authorization Form” (CHRI)
- Ink-based fingerprint card OR Electronic Fingerprint Live Scan receipt
- Payment ($48.25) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit” OR If you are are submitting “Application for EMS Provider License WAIVER: COVID-19 March 2020″ for fingerprinting waiver, payment ($25.00) made out to “State of NH-Criminal Records Unit”
- Completed “EMS Provider License Application for New or Lapsed Applicants”
- Copy of National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) card
and submit by mail to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at:
NHDOS-Bureau of EMS: Licensing
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
