UC-Davis Report: Expanding Paramedics’ Role Could Boost Access to Primary Care, Reduce ED Workload

Expanding paramedics' role in care delivery might increase access to primary care services and help alleviate emergency departments' workload, according to a new report by the UC-Davis Institute for Population Health. The report was commissioned by the California HealthCare Foundation and the state Emergency Medical Services Authority. It was funded by CHCF, which publishes California Healthline. In the report, Institute Director Ken Kizer outlines several pilot programs built around a model that would allow paramedics to select whether to take patients to the ED or to another facility, such as a primary care office or a mental health clinic.

•  "UC Davis Report: Paramedics Should Have More Choices on Patient Transport" (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 8/13).