Smart Trends: Initiative Aims at Reducing Non-Emergency 911 Calls

Collaborative Approach is Changing the Future Landscape of Emergency Care - One Call at a Time 

There has been a growing focus on reducing the number of frequent users of the 911 Emergency System as a means of decreasing healthcare costs and reducing the strain on EMS resources. Frequent, repeat use EMS users are a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of medical, behavioral and social challenges and account for a disproportionate number of non-urgent EMS calls and transports.

The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) was invited to the National Academy of EMS Physicians Annual Conference to present a research abstract discussing the impacts of its collaborative partnership with the Montgomery County Health & Human Services, targeting high utilizers of the 911 system.  The partnership focuses on reducing 911 calls from frequent users of the system by aligning and connecting them with the appropriate support and resources they need within the community. Dr. Roger Stone, the Medical Director for the MCFRS presented the research abstract on January 26, 2017 at the National Academy of EMS Physicians Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Authors of the research included Lt. Jamie Baltrotsky, Lt. Ashley Robinson, Dr. Roger Stone and Battalion Chief Alan Butsch.

The abstract poster, one out of over 200 research posters submitted, was awarded “Best Abstract Poster Presentation.” Dr. Stone accepted the award at an awards luncheon that was held after the presentations.  MCFRS continues to find innovative ways to deliver the highest quality care to citizens and, while this program is still in the beginning stages, the data is yielding promising results.