LETTER OF THANKS: Community resource paramedic appreciates support for new collaborative program

I wanted to thank our community for supporting a new collaborative, cost-saving program, and report back on the progress we've made so far.

Three months ago, I began serving as the Community Resource Paramedic (CRP) for a program launched jointly by Snohomish County Fire District 7, Monroe Fire District 3 and Lake Stevens Fire. The aim of the CRP program is to connect patients in need to non-emergency medical or social services. Long-term, this will reduce calls to 911, lower healthcare costs for the community and improve patient care.-á -á

I've attended several events hosted by the fire districts, including the final Summer of Safety event for Fire District 7 where we provided blood pressure checks for seniors from Mill Creek and the surrounding areas and helped them create a Medical Information Form.

I've spent time building relationships with healthcare providers and first responders in the area, too. Before the program officially launched, I responded to five referrals GÇô mostly cases of frequent 911 users. Now, our three fire districts have developed a joint database of patients who require follow up after an emergency call.

Because of the partnership, fire districts servings Mill Creek and the surrounding area, Monroe and Lake Stevens have been able to provide better service, cost-effectively to meet the changing needs of our communities. It reduces health care costs, as well. It feels good to see what a difference we are making in the lives of the people we serve.

Scott Koch

Community Resource Paramedic

Fire Districts 7, 3 and 8