DEPARTMENT: Fire
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update on the San Antonio Fire Department's (SAFD) Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Program
SUMMARY:
Update on the SAFD Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Historically, our 911 service was a catch-all for those who were unable to properly navigate their way to scheduled healthcare. The previous EMS structure provided only emergency transport for all patients with healthcare needs regardless of acuity. That process provided acute treatment, but lacked continuity for non-emergent conditions which is higher in cost than primary care. The National Association of EMTs defines Mobile Integrated Healthcare as "The provision of healthcare using patient-centered mobile resources in the out-of-hospital environment that are integrated with the entire spectrum of healthcare and social service resources available in the local community."
On October 1, 2014, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) implemented the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Pilot Program focused on patients with high volume use of our 911 system. The MIH program represents one of the most innovative, progressive evolutions in the delivery of community-based healthcare. SAFD Paramedics function within their current scope of practice in an expanded role through the use of non-emergent resources in the pre-hospital settings. Their focus is providing medical assessment and preventive healthcare education tailored to the needs of the individual, as well as navigating them through our community medical and social resources.
SAFD has worked in conjunction with Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) and the City of Schertz towards data sharing within the medical community and building strong clinical, physician, and regional partnerships. SAFD has formed a MIH consortium, which currently includes STRAC, Schertz, Canyon Lake, and New Braunfels.
On May 1, ...
Click here for full text