News Release

December 11, 2013

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Program brings care to local seniors, prevents ED visits

Community paramedics made nearly 1,500 home visits in past year
CALGARY An Alberta Health Services program has improved access to primary care for local seniors and eased pressures on the citys emergency departments since launching one year ago. Ten specially trained paramedics within the Calgary-based Community Paramedic Program made 1,480 trips to seniors homes over the past 12 months. Most of those trips were for the treatment of conditions such as infections, breathing problems or pain management that, if left untreated, would likely have required a visit to an emergency department. The Community Paramedic Program delivers mobile health care before emergencies begin. Community paramedics do that by providing patient-focused care in a home setting which reduces EMS transports and emergency department and hospital admissions, says program operations manager Ryan Kozicky. By bringing care to patients who have difficulty accessing traditional primary care services, we are providing a service that prevents serious issues before they arise. Referrals are made by family physicians, specialty clinics, and caregivers primarily for seniors living in supportive living facilities, community lodges and at home. The Complex Chronic Disease Management Clinic at the Peter Lougheed Centre referred Glad Bury to the program after she was discharged from hospital earlier this year. The care I received from the paramedics who treated me was superb, says the 85-year-old Calgary woman. They were able to do many of the things I otherwise would have had to go to the doctor for, like getting my blood taken or making sure Im getting the right medications. But perhaps more important, the paramedic gave me confidence everything was under control and I wasnt alone. Ty Eggenberger, one of the community paramedics who cared for Glad, says working as a community paramedic is very rewarding. It lets me bring in-depth care to my patients that is not possible as a traditional paramedic, he says. I am able to spend more time with them to provide thorough assessments, treatments and followup care. Treating health conditions before they result in a trip to the emergency room is less stressful for my patients and their families. Dr. Ian Scott, the clinics lead physician, worked with the paramedics providing care to Bury. The advanced assessments and specimen collection performed by the paramedics allowed us to add and adjust medication, and obtain lab results while the patient remained at home. They administered an injection she otherwise would have had to travel to receive, says Dr. Scott. /2

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Collaboration with the Community Paramedic Program was an invaluable extension of the work our clinic normally does in supporting the health needs of many complex clients. Treatments provided by community paramedics include electrocardiograms (ECG), vital sign monitoring, blood collection, administering oral and IV medication, providing wound care and focused assessments, all under the medical direction of a physician. In addition to their past training and experience, these specialized paramedics also undergo six additional weeks of classroom training, followed by a four-week practicum with nurse practitioners in supportive living facilities. Community paramedics are not part of the traditional Calgary Metro EMS fleet. They travel in SUVs that carry the equipment and medications they need but do not have lights or sirens and cannot transport patients. Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. - 30 For media inquiries, contact: Steve Rennick AHS Communications 403-943-1257 403-978-7118 (mobile)