Onslow County Emergency Services is implementing a new dispatch method for paramedic responses to increase efficiency.
According to a press release, Community Paramedics will now be automatically dispatched to the lowest level calls, such as fevers, sore throats, and minor injuries, which previously required an Emergency Medical Services unit with an ambulance.
The Community Paramedic will conduct a full patient assessment to determine whether an emergency room visit is necessary or if the patient can be served by other resources, such as an urgent care center or a primary care provider.
โNot every medical call needs an ambulance. Now, when someone calls 911 for something like lift assistance or other minor issues, we can send a Community Paramedic which ensures that ambulances are available for the most serious calls,โ said OCES Director Bradley Kinlaw.
