Lexington’s paramedicine program is getting a boost with the addition of two new vehicles. The two federally funded vans are expected to further efforts to care for vulnerable citizens.
Paramedicine is sometimes described as the intersection of health care, public health, and public safety. Lexington Firefighter Patrick Branam said the team includes social workers and police. Branam added the new vans will help as those in paramedicine try to help citizens find more permanent solutions.
“When they’re continuing to go to the emergency department. When they’re continuing to go to jail or continuing to go to these places and it’s not fitting that need. If you’re continuing to call for help.. then we haven’t helped you,” said Branam.
In some cases, Branam said it may be getting people who have experienced an overdose to rehab in a short period of time. The firefighter noted transportation barriers can also prevent needed access to mental health clinics.
“There’s somebody out there that wants to help, but there’s often times not the knowledge of each other. I don’t know your resource and the resource doesn’t know that you need the help. So, we just connect those dots,” said Branam.
Branam said sometimes it involves the appropriate treatment for individuals. He said it might mean a shot instead of daily medication, something that can be particularly beneficial for the homeless. The firefighter added counseling jail officials on care recommendations for a particular inmate is another facet of the paramedicine program.
Here's the entire interview with Patrick Branam with Lexington Fire:
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