Milton Fire Department Creates Community Paramedicine Program

MILTON, GA -- Chronic diseases affect more than 149 million Americans and that number is expected to grow to as many as 171 million by the year 2030, with many of those having multiple conditions, according to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease.

Finding ways to improve health outcomes for those individuals benefits the entire community through improved quality of life and reduced medical costs associated with chronic disease state management.

The Milton Fire-Rescue Department's new Community Paramedicine Program, the first of its kind in North Fulton, is just one unique way that the department is working to improve the health of Milton residents and promote public safety and education at no cost to citizens. Milton's program will take a novel approach to this healthcare model by pairing the department's focus on community outreach and education with its numerous life safety initiatives.

The city notes it's committed to finding new ways to improve the quality of life for residents and this new program is one of the many ways it can work towards that goal.

The Community Paramedicine Program officially launches Dec. 1. Following the program's soft launch during Hurricane Irma, the program already boasts 27 program participants and Milton's Fire Chief Robert Edgar is confident that this number will continue to grow as more residents and area healthcare providers learn about the city's new program.

"The response has been overwhelming and we're excited to launch this next wave of outreach with area medical providers," said Edgar. "The great thing about this program is that it's open to Milton residents of all ages, young and old, who are dealing with chronic health conditions and other special needs."

The Community Paramedicine Program offers a number of educational components including medication, chronic disease, and nutrition and dietary education in addition to medical assessments, wellness checks, and home safety inspections for fire and other health hazards.

Capt. Don Patterson of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department is responsible for coordinating the city's new paramedicine program. "We're typically what you think of in an emergency situation, but we want to broaden that view for our residents by becoming their community health partner," said Patterson. "As we saw during Hurricane Irma, it also allows us to provide support to these members of the community during other large-scale emergencies."

To learn more about the Community Paramedics Program, contact Don Patterson at fdinfo@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2541. Patients may self-refer, area medical providers can refer Milton patients to the program, and family members may refer loved ones residing in Milton.

Image via Shutterstock