Mill Creek, Wash. — On August 3, Snohomish County Fire District 7, Monroe Fire District 3 and Lake Stevens Fire will launch a new Community Resource Paramedic (CRP) program. The three fire districts are working collaboratively to dedicate one paramedic to serve the combined service areas as part of this new program.

The aim of the CRP program is to connect patients in need to non-emergency medical or social services. Long-term, this will reduce calls to 911, lower healthcare costs for the community and improve patient care. For example, some community members living with chronic illnesses can better manage these medical conditions at home, as opposed to a costly visit to a hospital emergency room. The CRP will help identify such patients who would be good candidates for these programs, and connect them to the services they need.

Scott Koch, a firefighter/paramedic, was selected from a panel of candidates from the three fire districts to fill the position. Koch is a veteran of Fire District 7, beginning his career there in 1990 as a volunteer firefighter. He joined the district full-time in 1993, and completed his paramedic training in 2000.

Koch will be referred to patients by emergency personnel from the three fire districts. He will follow-up with patients that have non-emergency medical conditions or issues, will provide assistance as needed, or connect them to resources that are available before they need to call 911.

The new program will be evaluated by the three fire districts after one year. The program is operated under an interlocal agreement that allows other fire agencies in Snohomish County to participate as a way to share resources and reduce costs for emergency services.