ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. — Onslow County Emergency Services has adopted a new paramedic dispatch model that does not automatically send an ambulance to every call.
Previously, EMS units responded to all six of the county’s emergency medical dispatch levels. Now, single paramedics are automatically sent to the lowest-priority calls and to lift-assist calls, giving first responders more flexibility and keeping ambulances available for higher-acuity emergencies, The Daily News reported.
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On lower-priority calls, a paramedic will assess the patient to decide whether an ED transport is needed or if referral to urgent care or a primary care provider is appropriate. The changes will make EMS response more agile and focused, said Bradley Kinlaw, Onslow County Emergency Services director.
“Not every medical call needs an ambulance,” Kinlaw said. “Now, when someone calls 911 for something like lift assistance or other minor issues, we can send a community paramedic, which ensures that ambulances are available for the most serious calls.”
County officials said the EMS dispatch changes align with Onslow County’s new strategic plan. The focus area for the “Healthy and Safe Community” plan prioritizes investing in first responder services to keep residents safe.
Do you think EMTs could effectively handle low-acuity calls in place of paramedics? Let us know.
