Community Paramedicine

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Flagler County Fire Rescue Community Paramedicine Program started in April 2018 to address the high call volume from recurring patients who did not need immediate medical attention. In fact, EMS transports represented 53% of the calls, which was increasing annually. Fire Chief Petito, in collaboration with paramedic Caryn Prather, took the concept one-step further, offered a more comprehensive service to address the whole person, and gave new meaning to the idea of a house call. This program grew rapidly from 71 visits in 2018 to 453 visits in 2019. In 2020 during the pandemic, the Community Paramedicine program was in high demand. The idea of a more comprehensive service now included providing medically-homebound seniors with their COVID-19 vaccinations and lifting the spirits of a group of residents whose circumstances have left them especially isolated during this yearlong pandemic. To date, the team has met with and vaccinated 108 homebound residents. The Flagler County Community Paramedicine program provides more than just health care they add value to those lives they touch daily and by doing so they reduce the number of EMS runs, reduce the number of ER visits, save money and create a healthier community.