Commission hears public safety update at Tuesday worksession

MANATEE -- Only 5 percent of all 911 calls in Manatee County in 2015 resulted in patient transports to a hospital with lights and sirens.

Since 2008, Manatee County has reported a 37 percent increase in 911 calls while the population increased only 9 percent from 2010 to 2014.

As a way to decrease unnecessary emergency department and ambulance uses, Manatee County is preparing to roll out a community paramedic program, and could begin receiving patients June 1.

"It is an innovative program that is designed to optimize health care delivery in Manatee County," said Bob Smith, county public safety

director, at Tuesday's Manatee County Commission work session.

The program, which will target frequent falls, diabetic, congestive heart failure and chronic respiratory conditions and mental health and substance abuse, will restructure existing health care resources.

"There is a community need," said Paul DiCicco, deputy chief of clinical affairs. "We aren't essentially meeting it to the best of our ability right now. As we get ahead of these diseases and not wait for them to call 911, we can prevent them from getting more ill and sick."

It is anticipated the total annual program cost will be $358,332, which is being paid through a grant for the first year of the pilot program, according to the presentation. With the new program in place, county officials anticipate a decrease in bad-debt writeoffs by emergency medical services billing and a reduction in health care costs.

"It augments the health care spending that we are already spending and it improves patient outcomes," said James Crutchfield, acting community paramedic program manager. "It increases access to primary and preventive care. ... We are going to add to what we are already providing."

The county is partnering with multiple community organizations, including Manatee Memorial Hospital, Blake Medical Center, Centerstone, Manatee Technical College and Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, in preparing to roll out the program.

Commissioner Betsy Benac said they will need a lot of partners moving forward.

"I think this is an amazing program," she said. "I think that the devil is going to be in the details. You are jumping into an area that has been a big gap. You are talking about taking something on that has been a real shortfall in our community. ... To me, this is the best thing that I've heard since we've been discussing health care."

The project would not have been successful without working with the community, Smith said.

"We are focusing on that word community in this project," he said. "It has been a community project from day one. It benefits everyone in the county. Those partnerships are going to be incredibly important to be successful."

Also, the commission heard an update about the pilot marine paramedic rescue program implemented on Anna Maria Island last fall. Since its inception, the unit has responded to 206 calls, treating 84 patients.

"This, to me, is very important," Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.

Commission Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh echoed Whitmore.

"To me, this is a no-brainer," Baugh said. "It saves time. It is better coverage on our beaches. It is going to save lives in the long run. ... I'm really excited about this program. I think it is a step in the right direction."

Commissioner John Chappie said the unit provides coverage that didn't exist before.

"It's not only an enhanced service for tourists and people on the beach, but the people who live out there permanently," he said.

The commission also:

Heard an update about implementation of a new regional P25 public safety radio system, which "will improve public safety for citizens of both counties and first responders," according to agenda materials. Three of nine county towers ­ -- Cortez Booster Station, Hidden Harbor in Parrish and Kinnan Park ­-- will be relocated to "leverage new technology and maintain coverage we need," according to a county official.

Heard about possibly increasing the frequency of the Manatee County Area Transit Route 3 to 30 minutes, which will require more buses and operators. To increase the frequency of the route on Manatee Avenue West, the county would reallocate existing resources. Before eliminating or reducing any other routes, the county would do a public outreach.

Is also considering a pilot program allowing the general public to ride the paratransit bus, now only for veterans, into Pinellas County. The route, which would cost $5 each way, would run weekdays and make one morning trip to Pinellas County and one return trip in the afternoon. "It presents a real opportunity to us at no additional cost," said William Steele, transit division manager.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024.

Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 11:38 PM with the headline "Commission hears public safety update at Tuesday worksession ."