Community Paramedicine

Community Paramedicine

The Community Paramedicine program participates in a variety of public education campaigns and community-based programs that prevent injury and accident. We do this by providing in-home assessments, chronic health management, wellness visits, and other non-emergency care, as well as collaborating with clients and their health care team to provide them with the help they need to remain in their home safely.

Through all of this, we’re able to support the health care sector by reducing 911 calls, Emergency Room visits, and lengthy hospital admissions.

The work we do:

  • Accepting healthcare referrals for community paramedic assessments.
  • Facilitate a wide variety of community based healthcare.
  • Administering wellness and vaccination clinics.
  • Maintaining public access defibrillators in local community facilities.
  • And much more!

Community Paramedicine Program

The Paramedic Referral Program is a clinical initiative of the Huron County Community Paramedicine Program. Its primary goal is to refer patients observed as having a high risk of adverse medical outcomes to the Home and Community Care Team (LHIN). This allows individuals to receive the most appropriate care available outside the Emergency Department.

It is widely acknowledged that certain conditions can be dealt with safely and appropriately outside the Emergency Department allowing patients to remain in their homes reducing the use of Paramedic Services and Emergency Department services.

Referral Process

The referral process is guided by an evidenced-based clinical prediction tool called PERIL or Paramedics assessing Elders at Risk for Independence Loss. This tool filters patients through a set of general questions. These questions identify those at high risk for adverse outcomes after a paramedic visit. Referrals also come directly to the team from Family Health Teams, Independent Physicians and Huron Perth Public Health.

Download the referral form: Community Paramedicine Referral Form

Cool Aid Program

Huron County Paramedic Services is distributing information cards that will assist paramedics provide vital care in the early moments of an emergency.

The card is designed to host health information including an individuals drug prescriptions, dosage, known allergies, medical history and emergency contact phone numbers. Each person writes their own health information on the card and then attach the card to the fridge by the magnet on the back cover. This way the paramedics always know where to look for the card.

Why is it called "Cool Aid Program"?

It is called the Cool Aid program to remind people that the card is meant to be placed on the fridge. The card’s front cover flips closed so personal information can be kept private from guests.

Who should fill out the card?

Huron County Paramedic Services would like to see anyone living in our communities with a pre-existing medical issue fill out these cards. Individuals that are taking any type of prescription medication should have one posted on their fridge.

Where do I find these cards?

Residents can find these cards at any pharmacy that operates in Huron County. Most family health teams also have these cards available.

Project Lifsaver

Project Lifesaver Huron provides equipment for individuals who may wander and become lost. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism, Acquired Brain Injury, Downs syndrome or other cognitive disorders. These individuals wear a lightweight transmitter which emits a radio signal that can be located up to 2 km away by specially trained OPP officers using mobile locating equipment. This transmitter can be worn while swimming, bathing or showering. This program is offered in co-operation with the Huron Detachment of the OPP. Monthly payment plans are available and the cost may be waived. Please contact County of Huron Community Paramedicine for details.

Download the brochure: Project Lifesaver Huron

Public Access Defibrillator Program

Huron County Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program

The Huron County Paramedic Services Public Access Defibrillator Program (PAD) is an initiative that was started in 2007 to provide public locations with Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s). Since that time, we have been able to place an AED into every arena throughout Huron County. The total amount of AED’s that we have in our program has reached 85 units. These units have been placed into public buildings such as the arena’s, libraries, municipal offices, all public/catholic schools and some County buildings.

These units are maintained by Huron County Paramedic Services. We provide a yearly inspection and service to all of these units that are in our program.

Am I liable if I use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

Under Ontario law, the Chase McEachern Act (Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability), 2007 protects individuals acting in good faith from liability for any damages that may occur from the use of a defibrillator; this does not apply in instances where the individual is a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility.

No authorization by a physician is required to use an AED in an emergency. However, it is important that those who use the AED in an emergency to provide temporary aid be properly trained to perform the procedure effectively and not inadvertently cause harm to the patient.

Contact Emergency Services

County of Huron | Emergency Services
401 Beech Street, 2nd Floor
Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0

Phone: 519.524.8394
Fax: 519.524.5147

Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.