Tuesday, August 14, 2012

ABC Wednesday E IS FOR EAGLE CO. COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

                              EAGLE COUNTY COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

In our changing medical programs for America, can we ENVISION and new method to treat patients?  Our Son is the paramedic in the picture below and he is EMBRASING  and new career path.


EAGLE, Colorado — Since it officially launched June 1, Western Eagle County Ambulance District's Community Paramedics program has received national attention.


The Eagle Valley Enterprise ran a story on the futuristic program in July 2010, and since then, the Associated Press, New York Times and MSNBC have come to Eagle County to see for themselves.

“It's crazy how the idea has blown up,” said Lisa Ward, the Community Paramedics coordinator. “When you have a program that is proving to be successful, everyone wants to know how you've done it.”


In a nutshell, the program is intended to be an extension of primary medical care. After receiving doctor referrals, specially trained paramedics can now visit patients at their homes.

The goal is preventative care. Tasks for community paramedics include taking vital signs, drawing blood, giving shots, changing bandages and — perhaps most importantly — keeping tabs on how patients are caring for themselves at home.

“We are an extension of the physician,” said Kevin Creek, one of the county's two community paramedics. “A doctor doesn't see how a patient is at home, but we do.”

Creek writes a detailed report for every visit he makes. He observes patients' health habits, such as how they appear to be eating, and does home safety checks.


WECAD Chief Chris Montera said two goals of the Community Paramedics are to reduce hospital readmission rates by 50 percent and to ensure all patients have a “medical home” (primary-care physician).

It's a new idea — something in high demand during a time when the nation is reconsidering its health care system. The hope is that programs such as Community Paramedics will eventually save money, as well as lives.

“Agencies all over the U.S. and Colorado want it, and they want it yesterday,” Ward said.

WECAD community paramedics have had 22 patients and 52 patient visits since they started in June.

Creek said the doctors in the area are still forgetting that they have the community paramedic option for some of their patients.

“We want more local awareness,” Ward said. “People here still don't know what I do. We've gained all this national attention, but this program is intended for our community.”

Linking with ABC Wednesday @abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com 



Thanks for taking time to read my lengthy post today.



Ann








17 comments:

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

Awesome picture of Kevin. I think is it wonderful that he is able to be in on the ground breaking for this plan. Love you sis. Deb

Roger Owen Green said...

primary care is SO important!
ROG, ABC W team

EG CameraGirl said...

I heartily approve of everyone having primary care.

Martha said...

My son is looking forward to eventually becoming an EMT. He is the youngest on the ambulance squad right now, too young to drive the rig, but not too young to learn. His interest comes after witnessing several motor vehicle accidents first hand.

Good for your son! We need more people like him.

jill said...

Everyone needs care at sometime in their life.Thanks for your lovely comment on my post xx

Meryl said...

What a great career choice. So important.

The Poet said...

Like everyone else, each one of us will and need care. Point well taken my friend.

Carver said...

You son has chosen a very important line of work. Carver, ABC Wed. Team

Reader Wil said...

Interesting post!your son does a lot of good work which a doctor doesn't do better. More and more doctors leave a great many jobs to be done by nurses or paramedics.

Janet said...

Can't beat those home visits! Great post.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Such a commendable program! Every state should have this kind of service.

Encouragement
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Black Jack's Carol said...

Wishing Kevin well in his new work. Somehow, that picture conveys a caring that I believe will make him very good at establishing trust with his patients. The program is a great idea. Hopefully, it will succeed and be established around the country.

Kranky Granny said...

You have a handsome son and this was a very interesting post.

We need more folks like your son.

Lmkazmierczak said...

Well deserved accolades for innovative ideas♫♪

LindyLouMac said...

Calling by from ABC Wednesday, what a great scheme.

Kay L. Davies said...

Hi Ann—
Good for your son, working as a paramedic. You must be very proud of him.
Our son-in-law was a firefighter but decided to become an EMT.
Thanks for your comment on my blog today!

Kay, Alberta, Canada

Linnea said...

Good for him and all the best! Thanks for visiting me!

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