A new pilot project will see the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) attend calls from individuals in palliative care and provide assessments in their home if the patient chooses to, or be transported to hospital.
If an individual with palliative care needs is in distress and unable to reach their primary care team, they can now call 911. If eligible, they will receive emergency symptom relief by paramedics and remain in their home if they wish.
Deputy Chief Breanne Lapointe tells Lake 88 it is part of the treat and refer model of care.
She adds it’s all about respecting the individuals wishes.
Lapointe says it’s similar to an existing paramedicine program in place, where local paramedics attend the homes of qualified clients for assessments and relief instead of taking them to the hospital.
This pilot project is in collaboration and funded by The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and runs until March 2023.
Story by Grant Deme
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