The Chicago Fire Department aims to reduce emergency room visits with a paramedic partnership program that helps patients with chronic illnesses access resources, PBS affiliate WTTW reported June 6
The Medical Home Network Paramedic Partnership launched in October. The pilot program connects Fire Department paramedics with people struggling to manage chronic conditions at home. Paramedics help patients manage medications, research exercises, coordinate physicians appointments and provide other services.
"Many emergencies are the direct result of chronic healthcare conditions that have caused people to get to a point where their only recourse is to dial 911 and go to an emergency room," Jonathan Zaentz, Fire Department district chief of special projects, told WTTW. He added the results in the last nine months speak for themselves.
"We have individuals that were calling 911 50 times a year that then stop calling 911 because they've suddenly regained control over their health. It just honestly has blown me out of the water how dramatic that improvement has been, the changes in people's lives and the engagement," Mr. Zaentz said.