Ryan Macasero – Bay Area News Group
To meet the needs of patients who cannot get themselves to a traditional hospital, the San Jose Fire Department launched its community paramedicine pilot on Oct. 1.
The two-person mobile unit will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., initially serving downtown San Jose and response areas around the central and eastern parts of the city. Paramedicine teams will focus on follow-up assessments and connecting patients to long-term social and medical services. Care will be initiated through referral processes, including from department staff following an emergency response. Emergencies will continue to be serviced through 911…