Is EMS-on-demand the next big transformation for the profession?

By CPSM’s Matt Zavadsky

You’ve likely heard the term or read the book, “Emergency Medical Services at the Crossroads,” but the reality of that concept has never been more salient than it is right now.

For many EMS agencies, the current headwinds of response volumes being at an all-time high amid staffing challenges are forcing EMS agencies to rethink their service delivery model. A recent survey by the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) revealed that many EMS systems have transitioned away from an all-ALS ambulance deployment model to a tiered deployment model, using BLS ambulances as part of the 911 response resource deployment strategy.

Further, as part of another AIMHI study, although response volumes are increasing, the low-acuity 911 calls seem to be increasing at a faster pace than the high-acuity EMS responses. Several AIMHI member agencies also indicated they extended their response-time standards for low-acuity 911 calls, and Colorado Springs Fire Department recently announced they are no longer going to send a fire-first response or even an ambulance for low-acuity 911 calls. Instead, they will schedule a community paramedic unit to respond and assess the patient’s needs.

Embrace the reality that many, if not most, 911 EMS responses are for people seeking “on-demand” medical care in their setting, in a reasonable timeframe, and help them figure out the best way to navigate the healthcare system by offering this service through a trusted community partner.

Embrace the reality that many, if not most, 911 EMS responses are for people seeking “on-demand” medical care in their setting, in a reasonable timeframe, and help them figure out the best way to navigate the healthcare system by offering this service through a trusted community partner.

At the same time, mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine programs are finally starting to get the attention of payers. Commercial insurers, Medicaid and even local governments are increasingly willing to fund the service model to mitigate resource utilization and the expense of patients accessing 911 for low-acuity medical issues.

So, we have a decision to make – either figure out a way to create more resources to respond to low-acuity 911 calls or change our service offerings to prevent these 911 calls more effectively. There have been attempts to re-educate the public about only using 911 for emergencies, but we don’t necessarily do a very good job educating them on what constitutes a true emergency. Besides, the perception of an emergency may differ by individual.

But what about another option? Embrace the reality that many, if not most, 911 EMS responses are for people seeking “on-demand” medical care in their setting, in a reasonable timeframe, and help them figure out the best way to navigate the healthcare system by offering this service through a trusted community partner.

🔗Read the full article on EMS1.com

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