Fire & EMS Department Marks One Year of the Community Paramedic Program By: Kristen Cook, Community Paramedic, Fire & EMS This month, the Fire & EMS Department proudly celebrates the one ‑ year anniversary of the Community Paramedic Program. It is an initiative that was launched to reduce EMS utilization for non ‑ emergent needs and better connect residents with appropriate alternatives to emergency services.
The program focuses on identifying community members who benefit from proactive, in ‑ home care and resource support. By improving access to non ‑ emergent health and social services, the Community Paramedic Program helps ensure that 911 and emergency departments remain available for true medical emergencies. Program Overview (2025):
• Total referrals: 92 • Home visits: 161
• Patients enrolled: 48 • Patients graduated: 42
High Utilizer
Fall Prevention
Resource Assistance
Designed reduce fall ‑ related EMS calls among older adults, the Fall to Prevention Program provided home safety assessments and personalized care plans. Of 19 referrals, 10 patients enrolled and 6 graduated. Participants experienced a significant drop in EMS calls. For example, one patient’s calls decreased from 14 to 2 following intervention.
The High Utilizer Program assists residents who frequently call 911 for non ‑ emergent needs. Through weekly home visits and support such as medication organization, health education, and referrals to community services, call volumes dropped dramatically. Among referred individuals, EMS calls reduced from numbers as high as 53 to as low as 9 or fewer.
The program’s most widely used service in 2025, Resource Assistance helps connect residents to short ‑ term support such as primary care appointments, home health services, durable medical equipment, transportation, and safety devices. Forty ‑ two referrals were received; 26 patients enrolled and 20 graduated.
Looking Ahead to 2026 This year, the Community Paramedic Program is working with healthcare partners to introduce telemedicine services, expanding access to care for residents with limited mobility or transportation. Current programs will continue and may grow to include new specialties based on community needs and 2025 call data. Community members and partner agencies interested in learning more or referring someone who may benefit, can contact the Community Paramedic at communityparamedic@orangecountyva.gov or complete the online referral form on the Orange County website.
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