Travis County, Texas, is implementing Tele911 telehealth services into its emergency response system, Fox 7 Austin reported Oct. 28.
The partnership will allow paramedics to set up a live telehealth appointment with patients if it is determined that paramedics do not need to take them to the emergency room. Additionally, the next day a Tele911 social worker will connect the patient with social services and primary care resources.
"And the real intent is to get the patient the actual care that they need and reduce an ambulance trip and an ER visit," Fire Chief Nick Perkins told Fox 7.