A new initiative in Wausau aims to reduce unnecessary 911 calls by offering proactive care to residents. The Community Paramedic Program, supported by Aspirus and the Wausau Fire Department, connects patients with long-term support to address their health needs before emergencies arise.
“The goal is to reach people who are falling through the cracks,” said Matt Kozlowski, Community Paramedic with the Wausau Fire Department. Since its launch in late 2024, the program has served a small, high-need group of patients, resulting in a more than 50% decrease in 911 calls. Dr. Michael Clark, Aspirus MedEvac EMS Medical Director, highlighted the broader impact: “We are not only improving individual health outcomes. We are also reducing strain on emergency departments and ambulances by addressing issues that do not always require emergency care.”
