South County Fire will use nearly $1 million in outside funding to expand community paramedic services that help reduce 911 calls and emergency room visits, according to a news release.
Community resource paramedics connect frequent 911 callers with social services and other resources to meet their often complex needs. The program provides 24/7 response to our most vulnerable residents.
Now, continued funding commitments from Verdant Health Commission and North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH) are being used to add one community resource paramedic and bring in community health workers to coordinate client care.
“Demand for emergency services is growing exponentially,” said Joe Hughes, South County Fire’s Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services.