New program works to reduce 911 calls in Seminole County

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — In 2019 Jordan Migliaccio was involved in a hit-and-run crash that left him paralyzed. For many like him, finding home care has been a challenge.

“I need help with pretty much everything. I haven’t had a CNA (certified nursing assistant) since May 2. I’ve been just here kind of staying in bed,” Migliaccio said.

Recently he was referred to the Seminole County Fire Department’s community paramedicine program.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The program helps people who frequently need to call 911 for assistance with non-emergency needs.

In the program, paramedics proactively visit patients in their homes to help manage their health and keep them out of the hospital.

Read: onePULSE announces new executive director

Seminole County Fire Department community paramedic Jason Rappa said the goal of the program is to lighten the load on the 911 system.

“We are seeing the benefits of having people stay out of the hospital and not call 911 for minor things or have something minor turn into something major that ends up in the hospital for a long time,” Rappa said.

Read: Tropical Storm Bonnie likely to form this week, 2 other disturbances brewing in Atlantic basin

Since the program launched in December, the team has made more than 450 visits to residents in the county.

For people like Migliaccio, the program has been life-changing.

“By cleaning me up and preventing future wounds and future problems, it’s prevented me from needing to go to the hospital,” he said.

Read: Wealthy winter park family named in lawsuit over drowning death

Preventing unnecessary hospital visits not only helps the patient but also saves taxpayer money.

The program is funded with American Rescue Plan dollars and is free to Seminole County residents.

More information about the Community Paramedicine Program can be found here.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group