Note: The CHP does not take referrals from the public.
To address the frequent 911 calls by people who did not require emergency care, Williamson County created Community Health Paramedicine.
CHP’s mission was to reduce non-emergency ambulance usage and hospital admissions by working with those who were calling 911 too often, and sometimes daily.
Paramedics with CHP are trained to evaluate the situation before directing frequent EMS callers to more appropriate resources.
They also periodically check on patients to ensure they are using their medicines properly.
Many CHP clients have mental health needs in addition to physical problems and long prescription lists. It is a team effort with CHP, the Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team and various community partners.
For example, an elderly man was calling EMS frequently and began calling daily after being discharged from an emergency room last year. He was experiencing memory problems and mental health issues.
He lived alone in a rural part of Williamson County, with little family support. His memory loss was contributing to his anxiety about living alone. He was unable to recall he recently had visited the emergency room and been declared medically stable.
CHP coordinated with the elderly patient, his family, neighbors, caregivers, Meals on Wheels, and the Williamson County and Cities Health District to connect him to services.
Based on a patient’s needs, CHP staff provide medication education, evaluate the home environment for fall risks and prevention, offer nutrition education for specific health conditions, and advocate for the patient with mental health and health care providers.
“We have three employees in the program who together have many years of experience which contributes to the success of the program. They are able to connect with patients and put them at ease to get to the root cause of their issues,” said Williamson County EMS Director Mike Knipstein.