Item 4 - Report on Mobile Healthcare Services Option

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Transfer the call to 9-1-1 – This is always an option; when the call-taker determines that the call is in fact an emergency, the caller is immediately transferred to the emergency center. Transfer the call to the nurse triage supervisor – This is the option of choice if the call-taker is uncertain as to the nature of the call. Minor illness or injury, only advice needed – If the illness or injury is of a very minor nature, such as a small burn, the call-taker gives self-help instructions, following a prepared protocol for such common situations. If the problem is more complicated, the call-taker can transfer the call to the nurse triage supervisor for advice, similar to the ‘Ask-A-Nurse’ program. Referral – If the problem requires follow-up treatment by a physician, but doesn’t need immediate assistance, the caller is referred to his/her personal physician, a community health center/clinic, or a social service agency, such as a drug or alcohol treatment program. Dispatch – When the problem requires prompt treatment, but isn’t of an urgent nature, the call-taker may dispatch one of several types of non-emergency vehicles to provide assistance Safety Net Feature – Lay persons frequently underestimate or deny the seriousness of early symptoms from such threats as heart attack or stroke. The MediHelp Center helps guide such patients back into EMS system for prompt treatment. Where people may hesitate to call 9-1-1 thinking (or hoping) the problem is not serious, they are far more likely to call a non-emergency center for advice or treatment. The MediHelp Center promptly transfers such calls to 9-1-1. This results in elimination of deadly delays in treatment. 3.5Mobile Primary Care Units (MPCUs) Mobile Primary Care Units (MPCUs) are small, one-person mobile units, ideally mini- vans equipped to transport via wheelchair. These units would be staffed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants or paramedics with special training and an expanded scope of practice. MPCUs are dispatched to provide care for non-urgent conditions that need assessment and treatment, but may not need follow-up care by a physician. The MPCU is equipped with a limited complement of treatment and diagnostic tools typical of those found in a clinic, and communications equipment to allow the transmission of voice, real-time streaming video of the patient and other medical feedback data to a central receiving station. Physician-approved protocols guide the MPCU provider team member and physician advice may be requested over cellular or radio. Access to central patient databases is granted for the purposes of directing treatment. The MPCU staff has several options: Treat and release. Patients are assessed and treated using advanced care skills and equipment according to the nature of their illness or injury. A limited amount of prescription medicine can be dispensed and, in some cases, prescriptions filled through 8