ABC Source | Comments Courtesy of Matt Zavadsky

Many systems may be considering similar protocols as healthcare system capacity becomes more strained...

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American Ambulance will only transport Fresno County 911 callers who have life-threatening or emergency conditions

Instead of transferring patients to a local hospital, paramedics will evaluate them first.

By Gilbert Magallon

Monday, December 21, 2020

 

https://abc30.com/american-ambulance-fresno-county-911-emergency-call/8962755/

 

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The way American Ambulance responds to your 911 calls in Fresno County is changing.

 

As of Monday, only patients with life-threatening and emergency conditions will be transferred to the hospital.

 

"If you feel like you need to call 911, if your family member is sick and you need to call 911, call 911," said Edgar Escobedo, American Ambulance operations manager. "We are going to be there, we are going to assess that patient and if necessary we are going to transfer that patient."

 

The new Assess and Refer Policy was implemented Monday to relieve overwhelmed emergency rooms.

 

Escobedo said instead of transferring patients to a local hospital, paramedics will evaluate them first.

 

Their condition will then determine if they go to the hospital or if they're referred to an urgent care facility, their primary care doctor, or telemedicine.

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