West Michigan Regional Medical Consortium (WMRMC) has requested approval through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of EMS, Trauma, and Preparedness to conduct a Special Study to develop and operate a Community Paramedic Program in conjunction with Mercy Health Muskegon, Pro-Med Ambulance, White Lake Ambulance Authority, North Ottawa Community Hospital EMS and Oceana County EMS.
Stroke and Trauma patients discharged from Mercy Health into these communities will be identified by the trauma and stroke coordinators prior to discharge from the hospitals. Any patient with wounds, impaired mobility, fractures, or significant comorbidities (COPD, diabetes, prolonged hospitalization, etc.) will be targeted for home visit by the Community Paramedic.
WMRMC, in conjunction with Pro-Med and Mercy Health, have developed a Community Paramedic Training Program and believe Community Paramedics can significantly reduce the rate of complications and readmission for trauma patients and stroke patients discharged from the hospital.
WMRMC and Pro-Med have developed a 100 hour initial training course for Community Paramedics. An additional 100 hours will be required over the next year. The course will be taught by WMRMC, Mercy Health and Pro-Med. The course is scheduled to begin January 4, 2016 and continue every Monday through March 28, 2016. Courses will be held at the Regional Simulation Lab in Muskegon, and will generally begin at 8:00am and end at 5:00pm.
Candidates interested in becoming a Community Paramedic and participate in this Special Study project are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their respective agencies (Pro-Med, WLAA, OCEMS, NOCH). Each agency is solely responsible for selection. This project will require a two year commitment from the candidate. If a candidate decides to drop from the project early, they will be responsible for the costs/fees associated with the Community Paramedic Training Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Chad Lawton at (231) 728-1967 or [email protected].