The Covington Fire Department is aiming to bring back its Community Paramedicine Program, a initiative that helped reduce emergency room visits by sending paramedics into homes for routine care. Last year, this program significantly decreased hospital visits by 57% and 911 calls by 73%.
From April to October 2025, the program supported 89 patients with 352 home visits. It didn’t just provide care; it also helped with transportation for routine medical appointments and educated patients on managing their health. Participants gained access to affordable prescriptions and learned how to manage chronic conditions.
Assistant Chief Gary Rucker highlighted a critical issue: “It’s a gap in health care that we never really recognized until recently. This pilot program showed us that many in our community need this kind of support.”
However, funding ran out last year, and the department is currently exploring options for new private grants. They’re also hoping to secure funding through the city budget or potentially from insurance companies. Rucker noted that while insurance currently doesn’t cover this type of community care, there’s a growing national movement advocating for such changes. “It saves insurance companies money in the long run, as a visit from us is cheaper than an ER visit,” he explained.
If new funding comes through, the department wants to broaden the program to help more people, including those facing homelessness or mental health challenges. “We want to partner with organizations like NorthKey Community Care to reach a wider audience,” Rucker said.
This program has proven effective in improving community health. According to a recent report by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, similar programs across the U.S. have also shown a reduction in emergency room visits and better health outcomes for participants.
With continued support, the Covington Fire Department hopes to restore and expand this vital service, making a positive impact on more lives within the community.
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