Program at Fire District 3 aims to reduce 9-1-1 calls

DAYTON–Columbia County Fire District No. 3 has initiated a new program dubbed the Mobile Integrated Health Care Program which has a goal of taking proactive steps to help local people find resources and eventually reduce the number of calls for service through 9-1-1.

"We're asking for people to call us for medical issues that may not be 9-1-1 calls," said Sidney Ayala, a firefighter/EMT with District 3 who is pointing his focus at the program.

The program is funded through a $150,000 grant from Greater Columbia Health, Ayala said, written by District 3 Chief Jeromy Phinney. The two-year program includes an option to renew for $50,000 in the third year.

The goals is to keep 9-1-1 call volume down while still providing assistance to those who need it, Ayala said.

For instance, people who fall and frequently call the ambulance for a lift assist, or people with respiratory issues, or diabetes, any health issue that is not an emergency at a particular time, Ayala said.

He urged anyone with questions to call the Fire District with questions and start a dialog. This is available to anyone who is a resident of Dayton and Columbia County.

"For example," Ayala said, "is a patient has diabetes and is not managing it well, we would visit and assess the situation. We look at their age and if they're on a limited income. We'd help them get connected with the food bank and help them find resources that a person might not be aware of or be able to find on their own."

Then, supposing the nutrition situation is in order, Ayala said EMTs would then advise the patient on proper diabetes management.

"Call us," he said. "We will not hesitate to go out and do an assessment. We also offer in-home inspections for patients with mobility issues.