Community Paramedicine program restarts for high risk or chronically ill patients

The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department and the Regional Center for Border Health restarted their program

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD) and the Regional Center for Border Health (RCFBH) restarted their Community Paramedicine program on Wednesday, October 5.

According to a press release, the program has been on hold since March 2020 due to the pandemic and has returned to help the community.

The program focuses on high-risk or chronically ill patients that would benefit additional assistance and are visited by the SCFD paramedics, a RCFBH Family Care Coordinator or Promotora, and a registered Nurse.

Paramedics check the patient's vitals, do medication reconciliation and inspect their home for hazards.

The Promotora facilitates any social assistance and educate the patient about any needed changes.

While the addition of the registered Nurse allows at home A1c lab testing for patients requiring the service.

After the completion of the visit, the members findings are documented and the doctors will be able to see how the patient is progressing and if there are any needed changes for the patient's health plan.