Bruce County Paramedic Services is now providing Community Paramedicine.
It involves two full-time Paramedics covering the County on a rotating basis, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, using a specialized vehicle to visit patients proactively and treat, assess and monitor them in their homes.
The Community Paramedicine Program focuses on palliative patients with an identified advanced care plan, as well as community crisis patients and high-risk seniors that are waiting for Long Term Care, having significant medical needs, or having strained caregiver supports.
The County has received $123,241 in funding through to March 31st 2021, with the hope of receiving continuing funding.
EMS Chief Steve Schaus says, “We are very excited to join the other services in Ontario that provide Community Paramedicine. We look forward to providing care to all our residents in Bruce County that require this much needed program. We are also very hopeful that additional funding will become available in the coming months so that we can continue and build on our Community Paramedicine Program.”
The County says if it receives future funding, additional services could also include supporting high users of Paramedic Services who have uncontrolled chronic conditions (like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Congestive heart failure, or Geri-psychiatric disorders).
Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson says in a statement, “This program is a significant opportunity for Bruce County and community healthcare partners and is hoped to be the basis from which the County can expand a Community Paramedicine Program in the future. Supporting our residents that are most in need will help them remain in their own homes longer.”
Grey County has had a successful Community Paramedicine program in place for a few years now.