By Sandra Holmes
More than 50 seniors listened to an informative presentation given by community paramedics Mikael Kjellstrom and Dan Daase at the Seniors’ Learn and Lunch on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
The community paramedics (CP) program is a new initiative in rural and remote communities. Community paramedics support seniors with medical needs with the result the senior is able to remain in his or her home longer.
READ MORE: Paramedics to do house calls (Oct. 17, 2017)
The community paramedic’s job is different from the regular paramedics who are called out to attend emergencies. Community paramedics attend to people in their homes who have chronic illness.
The senior is referred to the program by the doctor. Appointments are set up and the community paramedic attends the patient in his or her home under the direction of the doctor.
CPs are able to give information about the patients chronic condition and make sure the patient understands the medications being prescribed. They can check for safety issues in the home and recommend further medical help if it seems necessary.
CPs are also responsible for community health promotions such as sponsoring blood pressure clinics and diabetes awareness clinics.
READ MORE: Learning the diabetes basics (Dec. 14, 2017)
Clearwater has two ambulances for emergencies in addition to the two community paramedics who work two days a week each.
The Learn and Lunch Program is organized by the Wells Gray Country Seniors Society with the aid of a grant from United Way.
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