Paramedics have a unique role in the health care system, paramedics have been described as ‘canaries in a mine,’ – witnessing some of the most private aspects of a patient’s life and living conditions. As an individual’s health is determined by far more than their assessment in hospital, or the blood drawn at the clinic, this represents an
opportunity to collect more information as it pertains to the social determinants of health. Sometimes certain aspects of a patients life, or the health care system, make it difficult for them to get the care they need. The main focus of MIH is to identify those in need, deliver care specific to their needs, and provide a seamless transition between components of the health care continuum. Three new programs are being implemented and include:

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Paramedic 'Check-in' Program

This program aims to serve those who live at home and pose a risk for poor health outcomes. Paramedics may check in with patients who called 911 and chose to stay home, or assess and treat individuals with chronic disease and special needs.

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Rapid Bridging - Hospital and Emergency Department Patients

This program aims to serve eligible patients who are discharged from hospital or emergency department but still require support at home. Paramedics will work in collaboration with home care nurses and allied healthcare professionals, or until home care can assume responsibility for patient care, to ensure the unique needs of that patient are met and that they can remain in the comfort of their own home.

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Rapid Bridging - Integrated Palliative Care Program

This program aims to aid the patients transition into the palliative care program and provide support to these patients in conjunction with home care and palliative care nurses.

Paramedics Providing Palliative Care in the Home

This program provides Islanders enrolled in the Provincial Palliative Care Program with additional support should they need it urgently or outside of normal business hours. Paramedics have been given additional training, responsibilities, and medications to help in keeping this special patient population comfortable at home. Patients are typically treated in collaboration with our online medical control (OLMC) physician and palliative care nurses.

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Click here for more information on this program.