Community Paramedics apply their specialized training and skills in the community, outside of their traditional 9-1-1 emergency response role, to support people with Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Diabetes.

Through this program, Community Paramedics visit a patient's home and offer comprehensive in-home health assessments, including checking vital signs, point of care blood work, provide vaccinations, and help clients understand how to manage their health conditions.

Community Paramedicine goals include:

• Improving quality of life and well-being
• Reduce patient exacerbations and crisis requiring 911 response
• Reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions
• Collaborate with patients' family doctors reducing the need for clinic visits

Examples of Community Paramedicine programs available within the County of Simcoe include:

• Outreach services for frequent 911 callers
• In home chronic disease management including preventative care and education
• Connection to relevant health/social resources and services in the community, and
• Health care system navigation