Medics in minivans are poised to make a difference in assessing and treating 911 patients whose conditions are non-urgent but require medical care.

A partnership between Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services, which oversees the BC Ambulance Service, is creating alternate pathways for patients with Link and Referral Units (LARU).

The units feature single paramedics responding in minivans who assess and treat patients who may not require an emergency room visit, and could be served at one of six Greater Victoria urgent and primary care centres (UPCC).

B次元官网网址淭he main goal for LARU paramedics is to link non-urgent 911 patients with the most appropriate care within the health care system, which may be a UPCC,B次元官网网址� said Kayla Welwood, manager, low acuity and integrated care, BC Emergency Health Services. B次元官网网址淭here are so many phenomenal services beyond that of emergency departments, and it only makes sense to synergize them whenever possible.B次元官网网址�

The partnership is borne of a BCEHS pilot unit in 2020 and has since expanded to 18 throughout the province, including Victoria and Nanaimo. The partnership within Island Health was initiated in May to optimize the care provided for lower acuity patients in the 911 system. It is available to emergency ambulances as well, when appropriate.

B次元官网网址淚nnovation in todayB次元官网网址檚 health-care landscape is so important. Anything we can do to support patients and emergency departments by leveraging our resources is excellent,B次元官网网址� said Antony Neale, a registered nurse at the West Shore UPCC. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 love to see the partnership expand further moving forward.B次元官网网址�

Since the partnership began, 84 patients have been transported to UPCCs in Greater Victoria. One of them was a tourist who became injured while visiting Vancouver Island and was taken to a UPCC for treatment, instead of a local emergency department.

B次元官网网址淭he patient had their injury assessed and treated so they could safely continue their trip without fear of infection,B次元官网网址� said LARU paramedic Tamara Tulloch, a paramedic of 14 years. B次元官网网址淚t was a really positive experience for them to feel like they were well supported along their unexpected medical journey. Having this pathway to the UPCCs eliminates the level of anxiety that can result from a hospital visit.B次元官网网址�

When south Island patients dial 911 for the BC Ambulance Service, the call is triaged by a medical call-taker and then potentially, further triaged by secondary triage paramedics. If the call falls within guidelines and a LARU is the most appropriate resource for the patient, a paramedic is dispatched to perform a clinical assessment and discuss options for care.

B次元官网网址淯ltimately, the end goal is a better experience for the patient. This partnership allows us to work with our UPCC colleagues to determine options other than the ED and help make decisions that are beneficial for patients,B次元官网网址� said LARU paramedic Derek Gytenbeek, who has more than five years experience. B次元官网网址淚 really value the open and honest conversations we regularly have with UPCC staff about what we have learned and improvements that can be made to the health-care system.B次元官网网址�