The Sterling Heights Fire Department has implemented a medical‑priority dispatch system (Oct. 1) and is expanding community‑based responses through a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, Fire Chief Edmonds told council.

“Emergency medical priority dispatch allows us to … make sure that we’re smarter and better placed to be able to do that,” Edmonds said, explaining the goal is to match response level to patient need rather than sending full engine/ambulance resources to every call.

Key changes Edmonds described:

- Medical‑priority dispatch: The department now assigns one of five prioritized response levels beginning at the 911 dispatch stage; the system works with Macomb County central dispatch and medical control vetting. Edmonds said the system started Oct. 1 and that in the first six days a proximate company was diverted to handle a critical call and the CAD system automatically backfilled the vacated assignment.

- Peak‑time EMT ambulance (BLS): The city launched a peak‑staff ambulance Sept. 23; Edmonds said that in its first eight days it handled 8% of the department’s call volume during peak periods.

- Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): Captain Ryan Kritchevar, the MIH coordinator, described the program’s role connecting residents to services—examples included linking a resident with cardiac and addiction treatment that led to rehab entry, placing veterans into benefits and home modifications (a donated ramp), arranging furnace replacement through Heat for Heroes and using Carter kits for sensory assistance at a public festival. Kritchevar credited social‑work staff Marnie Fenick and Mark Hansel and volunteer partners for many case outcomes.

Why it matters: Chief Edmonds and MIH staff framed the work as a way to reduce unnecessary 911 transports and improve outcomes by sending the right level of medical response or social supports. Edmonds said dispatchers and field crews can upgrade assignments in real time if more advanced care is needed.

Next steps: The department plans to train all members on sensory‑reduction Carter kits and place kits on every ambulance later this fall, continue MIH partnerships and monitor dispatch outcomes as the priority‑based system matures.