 80 Paramedics out of bases in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Port Carling, and MacTier  8 ambulances during the day, 6 after 10pm  Respond to roughly 15,000 calls per year resulting in roughly 10,000 patients  716 falls in % of all patients  338 falls as of July

 Simcoe Paramedic Services also report similar numbers  ***stats to be determined

 First point of contact  Quickly assess living conditions and mobility  Education  Referral programs

Why to people call paramedics? Injured Usually transported by paramedics Acutely Sick Usually transported by paramedics No other means Transported by EMS or family/caregivers

 Community Referrals by EMS  Being trialed in several services, especially those with a mix of urban and rural areas.  Goal is to refer low acuity patients to other suitable agency  Reduced repeat visits by paramedics  Reduced offload pressures at hospitals  Prevent injuries before they happen

 Paramedics assessing elders at risk for independence loss  Paramedics are uniquely positioned to observe patients in their homes  Study will look at patients age 65 and up who are not already critically ill  Outcomes measured may include no change, return visits by paramedics, hospitalization, or death.

 Seniors Assessment and Support Outreach Team  Muskoka’s paramedics can play a role in the referral process

 Vital signs, Interview, Safety Inspection, Treatment Home visits allow paramedics to identify and treat conditions before the need for a hospital visit arises.

 Goal is not to duplicate services already in place  Allow patients to remain home longer  Reduce non essential ambulance transports  Reduce wait times in emergency rooms  Example: Flu Shots

 Community paramedicine  Referral programs  Public education