P.E.I. paramedics given more ways to help Islanders in hopes of reducing ER visits
Prince Edward Island's Department of Health and Wellness is introducing new protocols aimed at reducing the amount of emergency department visits and improving access to care.
Beginning Tuesday, Island EMS introduced new policies that will help paramedics determine whether people should receive care in the community or at the emergency department.
Before the change, paramedics were required to take all patients to the emergency department, including those who may be better served elsewhere.
“If paramedics can navigate that on scene without tying up a resource that may be needed for an urgent case for transport, then it’s going to eliminate the response times that we’re seeing now,” said Jason Woodbury, president of the paramedics' union, CUPE Local 3324.
According to a Tuesday news release from the province, as many as 35 per cent of patients would refuse transport, leaving them on their own to access further care.
“Paramedics will ensure safe, timely and high-quality care for patients that are being treated at home; all patients will receive a follow-up call within 24 hours to confirm that their health care needs have been met," said Minister of Health and Wellness Mark McLane.
Now, when Islanders call 911, paramedics will have the option to connect them to additional ways to receive care, including:
- services like prescription refills
- community paramedicine (paramedics treating patients on site)
- access to other health-care professionals
“This is not going to fix the paramedic staffing crisis that we are seeing, but it may help with response times, and also bring those response times down because they have been increasing over the past five years," said Woodbury.
The Department of Health and Wellness and Island EMS are also introducing Community Paramedic Response Units (CPRUs) to provide comprehensive care in the community.
The province says CPRUs are staffed by an Advanced Care Community Paramedic and are supported by physician oversight.
"The CPRU team is equipped with all the required medical equipment to provide diagnostics and treatments in a patient’s home," reads the release.
"Islanders will also receive ongoing follow up, in the comfort of their home, from the CPRU team and be connected to appropriate care within the community."
For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
Biden speaks after Donald Trump's conviction in hush money case
A day after a New York jury delivered a historic guilty verdict in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee held a press conference Friday where he spoke publicly about the conviction and his White House bid.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
How did Ontario's bankrupt 'Crypto King' travel the world on Scene+ points?
Newly released documents suggest Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ paid for months of world travels with $13,000 worth of Scene+ points while bankrupt – but how?
More counterfeit drugs seized, hot water boiler causes fire: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada recalled various items this week, including more unauthorized products, counterfeit drugs and bassinets.
Mediterranean diet helps women live much longer, a large new study finds
Women who closely followed a Mediterranean diet lived much longer than those who did not, according to a new study that followed more than 25,000 women for 25 years.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Solutions coming for piled-up bodies outside Newfoundland hospital
Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador say they are only weeks away from a solution to move unclaimed human remains out of roadside freezers and into a nearby hospital.
Edmonton Oilers looking for a road win in decisive Game 5 against Dallas Stars
The Florida Panthers are a victory away from securing a berth in the Stanley Cup final and the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a road win in a pivotal Game 5 at Dallas.