Launched on July 1, 2015, this program was created as an innovative approach to provide preventive care to the most vulnerable in Johnston County and to lower ambulance use by focusing on frequent callers. By working with these patients prior to the 911 call, the community paramedics have been able to help the patient understand their medical condition, better adhere to prescribed medications, and connect with primary care physicians.
In addition, this program highlights a unique partnership between the EMS System and Johnston Health. Johnston Health case managers refer hospital patients who are discharged and at high risk of being readmitted due to their medical condition.
"This program has improved readmission at our local hospitals and proactively saved the need to add ambulances because of prevented calls. More importantly, hundreds of Johnston County residents have graduated from the program and better understand how to care for their medical conditions," said Josh Holloman, Deputy Director of Emergency Services.
Over the past decade, the program has grown from two to seven paramedics, including a supervisor and two units operating daily. In 2024, the program expanded through a partnership with Johnston County Public Health to launch the Post Overdose Response Team. This team offers follow-up support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, providing vital connections to treatment and recovery services directly in patients’ homes.
Recognized with statewide public health awards, the program's data and methods have been presented at national conferences and it has served as a model for other EMS systems developing similar programs.
“This program was our way of offering prevention, which is not common in EMS. Typically, we wait for the 911 call, but our Community Paramedic program allows us to identify those who need help prior to the call. We take pride in the success of this program and in the dedication of the paramedics who serve in this role every day. They are changing and saving lives,” Holloman said
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