Fire department pilot program with nurse practitioner
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Excerpts from the OrangeCountyRegister.com:
When the dispatcher received a call describing a 20-year-old woman feeling unwell, it was clear that the situation wasn't urgent. Responding to the address, Anaheim firefighters arrived alongside an ambulance driven by Victoria Morrison, a nurse practitioner. Morrison assessed the patient's vitals and conducted a thorough interview to decide whether the situation required a trip to the ER or if the issue could be resolved with in-home care.
"It's common for people to panic and dial 911," Morrison remarked as she returned to the ambulance. "Sometimes, all they need is a quick assessment and treatment for minor issues. Other times, they genuinely require emergency care."
Morrison serves as the sole nurse practitioner in Anaheim Fire & Rescue's Community Care Response Unit, which began operations on May 31st. This unit focuses on handling non-critical 911 medical calls by providing treatment directly in the patient's home. Nurse practitioners like Morrison can even write prescriptions when necessary.
The one-year pilot program aims to reduce healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary hospital visits and freeing up emergency personnel to handle more severe incidents. "We excel at high-priority cases—accidents, gunshots, heart attacks—but low-acuity situations where transportation isn't needed are tricky," explained Capt. Dave Barry, EMS Manager and Morrison's ride-along partner. "Victoria has been fantastic at addressing these needs without sending people to the hospital unnecessarily."
Since its launch, Morrison has treated 230 patients, with 46% receiving on-site care or advice to consult their primary physician instead. The initiative came with a price tag of around $500,000 this year, covering Morrison's salary, supplies, medications, and insurance. Partnerships with organizations like Kaiser Permanente and Care Ambulance Service helped fund the project.
Anaheim Fire Chief Randy Bruegman intends to seek approval from the city council to extend the program. "Residents love this approach—it offers top-notch care at lower costs and keeps patients comfortably at home," Bruegman stated.
Anaheim became the first city in California to implement this model, inspired by Dr. Gary Smith’s pioneering effort in Mesa, Arizona, back in 2008. Initially funded minimally, the Arizona program operated briefly before restarting in 2011 with local support. Now operational round-the-clock, it has inspired similar initiatives in five U.S. cities, including Los Angeles.
Dr. Smith expressed pride in being at the forefront of healthcare innovation: "By bringing medical services directly to patients' homes, we're achieving incredible outcomes."
In Anaheim, opting for Morrison’s care means saving on ambulance and ER expenses, which often exceed $350. Most importantly, patients receive prompt attention from a qualified professional instead of waiting hours for a hospital appointment. "Many assume arriving by ambulance speeds up ER visits, but that’s not guaranteed," Morrison clarified. "I assure them they'll receive equal care from me—and faster."
This innovative program could revolutionize how communities manage minor medical crises, offering both convenience and cost savings.