Community Paramedicine

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Mobile Integrated Healthcare

Emergency Medical Services has evolved, its historical and primary role as an emergency medical response system has not changed significantly. However, EMS is now more closely integrated into health systems and roles have evolved. Community Paramedics provide new opportunities for patients.

“In its simplest definition, Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) is the provision of healthcare using patient-centered, mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment. It may include, but is not limited to, services such… providing community paramedicine care, chronic disease management, [and] preventive care or post-discharge follow-up visits.”
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), National Association of EMS Physicians, National Association of EMS Educators, National Association of State EMS Officials, American College of Emergency Physicians et al, January 2014

Clinical Integration and Patient Access

OhioHealth Emergency Medical Services has been a leader in defining the role of Community Paramedics and studying their effect on patient care and outcomes. We work closely with health care, EMS, and community organizations to facilitate care management, access health care and community resources, assist in the development and operations of community paramedicine programs, and provide resources for community paramedic teams.

What We Do

We make connections, accelerate communications, bridge gaps, and improve care between the patient, their caregivers, health care services, and community resources. Our Community Paramedic team provides direct services and also coordinates care with others.

Community Paramedics help patients…

Improve their health and well-being.
Reduce inappropriate 911 use, avoidable readmissions, and costs-of-care.
Understand their plans of care and after-visit summary.
Connect with primary care physicians, specialists, and other providers.
Connect with health care resources.
- Hospital-at-Home, home health, DME suppliers, etc.
Connect with community resources.
- Charitable pharmacy, food banks, housing, senior services, transportation, etc.
Schedule physician, clinic, and other appointments.
Access and obtain prescription medications
Understand what medicines to take and when to take them.

Community Paramedics may…

Perform patient assessments including clinical, social, safety, environmental, etc.
Perform diagnostic procedures, including cardiac monitoring, 12 lead ECGs, glucose checks, blood analysis , etc.
Draw blood and start IVs.
Administer medications.
Carry BLS and ALS supplies, equipment, and medications similar to emergency ambulances.
Complete medication reconciliation.
Consult and refer to health care services, physicians, mid level providers, and others.
Provide patient education.