City highlights community paramedicine program after award; staff say visits cut 911 calls by 78% for referred clients
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Summary
Surprise firefighters and paramedics described the city’s community paramedicine program to council and reported that among 271 referred clients the program reduced 911 calls by more than 78%; council and staff acknowledged a recent award and partnership funding to support the program.
Surprise presented details April 15 about its community paramedicine program, which arranges scheduled home visits with vulnerable residents to connect them with health and social services and to reduce avoidable 911 reliance.
Deputy Chief Rivera told council the program conducts home visits to collect vital signs, review medications, assess safety hazards and connect clients with services including elder protection, home health, mental‑health services, social assistance, substance‑abuse treatment, fall prevention and veterans benefits. Rivera said the city received 271 client referrals during the most recent program period; those referred individuals collectively accounted for more than 1,109 911 calls, and the program reduced those callers’ reliance on 911 by over 78%.
City staff noted a community partner — identified generically in the meeting as Banner — and said the program recently received an award and partner funding to support ongoing operation. City Manager Wingenrath and Chief Espy praised Deputy Chief Rivera for pursuing the program over many years and credited the partnership for helping sustain it.
Councilmembers praised the program’s potential to keep emergency units available for large incidents and to provide continuing care for residents who repeatedly call 911. Staff did not present a multiyear budget breakdown in the meeting; they said the award will help sustain the program and that staff will continue to seek partnerships and funding to expand impact.
