SHA launches EMS treatment and referral pilot project with aim of alleviating pressure on ERs

The Saskatchewan Health Authority launched an EMS treatment and referral pilot project in Saskatoon Tuesday. 

The pilot is supposed to expand the practice of paramedics responding to 911 calls, and aims to ensure patients receive adequate and timely care while also alleviating pressures on emergency rooms in Saskatchewan, the SHA said In a press release Tuesday.

EMS workers who respond to a 911 call for a case that isn't life-threatening are now able to consult a virtual triage physician for guidance.

That doctor, who can be reached through Saskatchewan's 811 health line system, will help paramedics decide if a patient can be released at home or referred to a family doctor rather than going to the hospital emergency room, which could be over capacity. 

The program only applies to six patient scenarios: minor lacerations or abrasions without active bleeding, mild to moderate allergic reactions with dissipating symptoms, influenza-like illness, heat illness, hypoglycemia and falls.

"If the patient is reluctant in any way or has questions about staying at home as opposed to going to the emergency department, the paramedic can contact the virtual physician. The physician will talk to both the paramedic and the patient and provide reassurance if they need it," Jacquie Messer-Lepage, executive director and registrar of the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics, told CBC Tuesday.

"And if the patient still wishes to be transported, they can be. But in the case of stable patients, the idea is to keep them at home where where they're comfortable as long as they're not going to deteriorate any further."

The Saskatchewan College of Paramedics was involved in the development of the pilot. Messer-Lepage said the college does not anticipate it will add any additional burden to paramedics, as they are well trained to deal with the six scenarios.

"In most cases, I think they would welcome an opportunity not to have to wait in an emergency department unless it was absolutely important to do so," said Messer-Lepage. 

The province shares the same view. 

"Paramedics have the front-line assessment skills through education and experience to safely treat specific urgent conditions in a patient's home setting," Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in the press release. 

"By further empowering our front-line health-care workers with innovative and flexible options, we are able to better address patient needs and alleviate emergency room pressures."

The SHA said that only adult patients will be included in the treatment and referral pilot at this time. 

"We are looking forward to the positive impact this new process will have on patient care," Rod MacKenzie, SHA executive director of provincial services-community care, said in the release.