Austin-Travis County EMS 2024 Annual Report

FIRST TO RESPOND. BACKED BY SCIENCE. ENDLESS COMPASSION.

C4 INTERACTED WITH 11,232 EMS INCIDENTS, RESOLVING 5,862 WITHOUT TRAnsPORT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

CLINICAL NAVIGATION CHP units responded to 8,735 calls—70% were 911 calls

Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) Support Program Conducted by CHP Case Managers and are aimed at improving the quality of life and health of PEH, reducing the reliance of PEH on the emergency system, and helping PEH proactively manage their health. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Support Program Directly aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with overdoses on opioids. CHP personnel respond directly to 911 calls for apparent opioid overdoses to connect patients with OUD treatment including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) utilizing a warm-hand-off process rather than referral. Addressed 1,242 opiate-related overdose follow-ups. C4 conducted 1,951 patient follow-ups These focus on patient conditions that have a high-risk of readmission following discharge and has shown that we can effectively reduce re-admissions for certain high-risk condition through regular at-home medical evaluation and care. The program utilizes regular at-home medical evaluations, as well as remote patient monitoring, and provides patient reassurance, self-care coaching, support service connections Mental Health Crisis Response with EMCOT Responders seek to address the patient’s needs through EMS resources rather than using law enforcement or the ER for mental health crises. Available assets include the Integral Care EMCOT team, Integral Care and other mental health providers, the Herman Center, PES, and DSMC “yellow pod”. Responders are trained in crisis de-escalation and communication and are often co-staffed with behavioral health practitioners from EMCOT.

or connecting them to and providing mental health services. CHP team members conducted 18 PURCs, serving 826 clients and providing them with 1,242 interventions that range from clinical care, substance use harm reduction, connection to housing, and providing enhanced IDs. Additionally, CHPs had 60 PEH encampment visits through our StreetMed partnership which provided 234 interventions. The AUS Medic Program (AUSMed) placed two paramedic single-responders at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. FY24 was the first full year of staffing, it was also the busiest travel year to date. During FY24, AUS medics provided 1,430 responses to medical incidents within the airport campus. ABLE TO SOLVE ANY LEVEL OF PROBLEM. FROM PRESCRIPTION REFILLS AND TELEHEALTH TO FIELD SUTURING AND PATIENT-SIDE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. SENDING THE RIGHT RESOURCES TO THE RIGHT SCENE, WE ENSURE OUR PROVIDERS ARE READY AND

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The Collaborative Care Communications Center (C4) expanded on its mission to provide patients with the right resources at the right time and place. C4 Clinical Navigators worked closely with the Communications and Operations Divisions to screen thousands of 911 calls and provide meaningful alternatives to ambulance response and transport. EMS patients with low-acuity healthcare needs were connected to resources, including primary care appointments, specialty care, telehealth, mental health services, and more. In addition to providing routine care and Emergency Department (ED) alternatives for low-acuity needs, the C4 reduced strain on the EMS and emergency healthcare systems by providing additional screening, response, and transport

diversion during periods of increased call volume. The Community Health Paramedic (CHP) mission is to improve the health equity and healthcare options for underserved and vulnerable populations in Travis County through innovative utilization of the unique skills and talents of our CHP in order to help individuals proactively and preventatively manage their healthcare needs. Today, the CHP Team has evolved to a group of 32 providers and one commander who work independently to address health-related needs and problems of the community. Needs such as taking care of non-emergent medical problems, getting patients set up with a primary care doctor,

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2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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