Calif. Fire Department Introducing Community Paramedic Program

Download a brochure on the program here.

The Alameda Fire Department (AFD) is hosting an open house and media day on August 21 to present its newly established Community Paramedic Program to the community. Residents will learn about the program, along with how to access its services.

The Community Paramedic Program is a two-year, state- and county-funded pilot project aimed at addressing gaps that currently exist in the healthcare system. Alameda Fire is one of 13 agencies within California that is analyzing the effectiveness of community paramedicine.

The AFD Community Paramedic Program connects at-risk populations with appropriate resources in order to decrease reliance on emergency medical services as a primary source of healthcare. These populations include the elderly, the homeless, those with substance abuse problems, individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness, and people without medical insurance. The result is improved services for those at risk and overall decreased healthcare costs. They provide follow-up care for selected individuals with chronic illnesses who have been recently discharged from the hospital.

“I believe that Community Paramedics will be an integral part of health care delivery in the future with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. I am confident that our pilot project will be a resounding success,” says Alameda Fire Chief Doug Long.

Since its implementation on June 1, 2015, AFD has enrolled over 30 community members into the program.