Community Paramedicine: Expanding the Role of EMS

Course overview

Community paramedicine is an important component within the healthcare system that provides extended services in public health, primary healthcare, and preventive services. The target of these services includes underserved populations in the community. Community paramedics help address gaps in healthcare access by providing care, education, and follow-up services to patients who have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare settings. Their role supports better health outcomes while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and 911 calls. This depends on their level of training, state scope of practice, agency policy, and medical director approval. This course provides emergency medical personnel with an overview of community paramedicine and its role in population health.