What Is Community Paramedicine and How Does It Work?

Did you know that emergency department visits are increasing by 8% each year? With healthcare systems already stretched thin, many organizations wonder how to reduce this strain on emergency services, among others. 

Emergency departments are filled with patients who don’t always need to be there. It’s frustrating for everyone—the patients, healthcare workers, and administrators. And you’ve probably asked yourself: Is there a better way to handle this?

If your organization is struggling to find solutions, you’re not alone. Many healthcare systems are in the same boat. You’re likely searching for ways to offer better care while easing the pressure on your local emergency services. The good news is that you can help reduce the load with a community paramedicine program. 

At MoveMobility, we’ve been working for over twenty years with organizations like Quest Community Health Center and Transdev Canada to reduce barriers to healthcare and transportation. Our specialty is creating mobile medical units that save lives and make care more accessible. While we know we’re not the only manufacturer out there, we’re confident in our solutions, which empower communities like yours.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about community paramedicine. You’ll learn what it is, how it helps, and how starting a program could change the way your community delivers care.

Community paramedicine: What is it?

Community paramedicine is a term that isn’t entirely clear to everyone in the healthcare industry, and that’s part of the problem. People hear about it but might not know what it even means. Sometimes, it’s referred to as mobile integrated healthcare, and this includes any healthcare services outside what you’d find in traditional medical settings.

In simplest terms, community paramedicine is when paramedics provide non-emergency care in people’s homes or communities. Instead of only responding to 9-1-1 calls, paramedics offer a range of healthcare services that go beyond just emergencies.

Since paramedics already visit people at home during emergencies, they are in a good position to offer ongoing healthcare support. They’re trusted professionals who understand the challenges people face. They can step in to help with things like chronic health issues, ensuring that people don’t always have to go to the hospital or clinic for care.

What makes community paramedicine different?

Community paramedicine stands out because it brings healthcare directly to people where they live. Here’s what sets it apart:

Personalized support: Community paramedicine teams provide care that’s really focused on each person’s needs. This can mean they’ll come to visit people at home regularly and give them one-on-one support, which is something you don’t always get with the usual healthcare options.

Non-emergency triage: If someone calls 9-1-1 for a non-emergency, the call may be referred to a community paramedicine program instead of an ambulance. The program will connect the caller with a paramedic who can better handle the situation.

Community integration: Community paramedics get to know the local health groups and community organizations well. This way, they can figure out exactly what their community needs and help out in the best way possible.

Hospital-at-home-care: Community paramedics can help monitor patients who need hospital-level care but can be treated from the comfort of their own homes. This is especially useful for older patients with mobility issues or those who find hospitals stressful.

Who does community paramedicine help?

Community paramedicine programs are designed to help people who are often the most vulnerable. These include:

Older adults: Seniors may struggle to get to a doctor or have trouble managing multiple health issues.

Frequent 9-1-1 callers: These are people who rely on emergency services for non-emergency needs, which paramedics can help address.

People with chronic diseases: As we briefly mentioned earlier, community paramedicine is ideal for those dealing with chronic conditions like:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Respiratory problems that need regular management

Take a look at the stats below on the positive impact of Grey County’s community paramedicine program:

1. 3,464 home visits and 673 phone consultations by Grey County CPs in 2023.
2. Weekly wellness clinics in Owen Sound, Meaford, and Thornbury.
3. 300+ potential 911 calls/ER visits prevented with in-home care.
4. The program covers 7,500 sq km, serving urban and rural areas.
5. Supports physicians with patients inside and outside Grey County.

What vehicles can be used for community paramedicine programs?

Ambulance vans are a common choice for community paramedicine programs. Paramedics are used to these vehicles, and they’re set up for emergencies. But another great option is the Mobile Clinic Van from MoveMobility. It’s designed to offer more than emergency care—it helps paramedics comfortably do in-home visits and follow-ups.

Let’s take a look at some of the features of the Mobile Clinic Van so you can decide if it’s right for your program.

How do you fund your program?

Ambulance services or hospitals fund many community paramedicine programs. Hospitals and EMS programs use these services to reduce emergency room visits and prevent patients from needing to return. Some programs also receive money from grants.

You can find financial support based on where you live if you’re looking for government funding or grants. Check your province’s website for more information. Here are some places to start:

• Alberta – Government of Alberta
• British Columbia – Government of British Columbia
• Manitoba – Government of Manitoba
• New Brunswick – Government of New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia – Government of Nova Scotia
• Ontario – Government of Ontario: The Ontario provincial government is putting $3 million into a new community paramedicine program to send more paramedics to long-term care homes in certain places. They’re also adding $6 million for care homes to get new equipment. This equipment will help them find and treat minor health issues better.
• Prince Edward Island – Government of Prince Edward Island
• Québec – Gouvernement du Québec
• Saskatchewan – Government of Saskatchewan
• Northwest Territories – Government of the Northwest Territories
• Nunavut – Government of Nunavut
• Yukon – Government of Yukon

Check out our article on how to apply for funding to learn more about securing funding for a community paramedicine program.

Ready to start your community paramedicine program?

You came here to find out what community paramedicine is and how it can help reduce strain on emergency services, help seniors with healthcare needs, and much more. We’ve covered how this approach helps people get the care they need right in their own communities.

At MoveMobility, we’ve been helping people for over 20 years with vehicles that break down barriers to healthcare. Our goal is to make sure everyone has access to the care they need when they need it. If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to one of our mobility experts.

If you’re not ready to chat just yet, check out some of our other resources to learn more while you’re on a journey to starting a community paramedicine program.

Start by checking out our article on the Mobile Clinic Van to learn more about that. You’ll be able to see if it’s the right option for your program.

As we also mentioned emergency services a few times in this article, you might also be interested in the video below.