An emergency program expansion in Winnipeg should reduce the number of 911 calls and free up emergency responders.

In a media release on Tuesday afternoon, the City of Winnipeg said: "Access to primary health care services for some of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable and chronically ill residents will soon increase as a second Emergency Paramedics in the Community (EPIC) unit is added."

EPIC will proactively provide those who are identified as top users of EMS with early health assessments and intervention planning. Currently, only one vehicle is operational 12 hours a day, but a second will be added when the program is expanded on June 6, 2019.

“By expanding the EPIC program, we can enhance our ability to provide valuable treatment to these patients in the community which results in reduced call volumes to EMS and fewer visits to an Emergency Department,” said Dr. Rob Grierson, Chief Medical Officer, Emergency Response Services, Shared Health and Medical Director, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services. “Our patients are often experiencing mental health, addictions, or chronic health issues.”

EPIC Paramedics have completed over 7,000 assessments and managed over 2,700 at-risk referrals to the program, resulting in a 56 per cent reduction in 911 calls by EPIC patients, and a 62 per cent reduction in ambulance transports to an Emergency Department since its launch.

In addition to proactive care, EPIC will respond to a patient’s location when they call 911 for assistance and determine if the individual requires transport to an Emergency Department. If not, they receive a complete medical assessment by the EPIC unit. The patient is then connected with an appropriate community health resource such as home care, an Urgent Care Centre, or Community Health Access Centre. 

“Our Paramedics are a valuable part of our community’s primary-health-care team and their scope is ever-evolving and expanding,” said Ryan Sneath, Assistant Chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. “Our Paramedics are not just working on ambulances and fire apparatus; they are also filling important roles where they have the opportunity to build longer-term relationships with individuals in the community, finding relevant and efficient ways to better their life quality.”