ARLINGTON, Texas — Arlington has launched a Nurse Navigation Program that connects some 911 callers with non-life-threatening medical concerns to a registered nurse.
NBC DFW reported that the program, which began at the end of May through a partnership with American Medical Response, is designed to help callers determine the right level of care while keeping ambulances available for serious emergencies.
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Since the program launched, Arlington officials said 80 calls have been transferred to nurses, with about 20% resolved without sending an ambulance. Dispatchers still determine which calls qualify, and EMS can be dispatched if needed.
“There’s been an upward trend in 911 usage, and the trend didn’t match the population growth,” Arlington Fire Department Lt. Juan Mata said. “So there was a need to address the higher call volume that we’ve been receiving over the last few years.”
Officials said the program was not created specifically for the FIFA World Cup, but it could help manage increased demand for emergency services during large-scale events that draw major crowds to Arlington.
