BOISE, Idaho — A group of local paramedics has a new outlook on health care in Ada County. Instead of responding to numerous 911 calls and costly emergencies, these “community paramedics” are taking extra steps to prevent them. They say it’s working.
Ada County commissioners paid for the two year pilot program at a cost of about $200,000. The program has been in effect for about a year, and involves a group of four paramedics from the Ada County Paramedics organzation.
Instead of transporting patients to the emergency room, the community paramedics bring their services to the patient’s home. They say it’s all about preventing more serious health scares. Instead of an ambulance, these paramedics drive an SUV.
Full story: Community paramedic program helps ER visits drop in Ada County