Fall Preventionand EMS

@MuskokaEMS

Fall Prevention and EMS Stuart McKinnon

Senior Operations Paramedic, Medavie EMS Ontario

Public Relations Coordinator, Medavie EMS Ontario

stuart.mckinnon@memsomuskoka.com

Muskoka EMS 80 Paramedics out of bases in

Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Port Carling, and MacTier 8 ambulances during the day, 6 after 10pm

Respond to roughly 15,000 calls per year resulting in roughly 10,000 patients 716 falls in 2012 7% of all patients 338 falls as of July 31 2013

Similar Numbers Elsewhere Simcoe Paramedic Services also report

similar numbers ***stats to be determined

Why EMS Matters? First point of contact

Quickly assess living conditions and mobility

Education

Referral programs

Why to people call

paramedics?

InjuredUsually

transported by paramedics

Acutely SickUsually

transported by paramedics

No other means

Transported by EMS or

family/caregivers

CREMS Community Referrals by EMS

Being trialed in several services , especially those with a mix of urban and rural areas.

Goal is to refer low acuity patients to other suitable agency Reduced repeat visits by paramedics Reduced offload pressures at hospitals Prevent injuries before they happen

PERIL Study - Sunnybrook Paramedics assessing elders at risk for

independence loss

Paramedics are uniquely positioned to observe patients in their homes

Study will look at patients age 65 and up who are not already critically ill Outcomes measured may include no change,

return visits by paramedics, hospitalization, or death.

SASOT Seniors Assessment and Support

Outreach Team Muskoka’s paramedics can play a role in the

referral process

VISIT Vital signs, Interview, Safety Inspection,

Treatment

Home visits allow paramedics to identify and treat conditions before the need for a hospital visit arises.

Community Paramedicine Goal is not to duplicate services already

in place Allow patients to remain home longer Reduce non essential ambulance transports Reduce wait times in emergency rooms

Example: Flu Shots

Where do we go from here?

Community paramedicine Referral programs Public education

Questions?