References
Regulatory impediments to the implementation of a community paramedicine programme in Virginia
Abstract
The growth of community paramedicine-mobile integrated health-care programmes has increased steadily across the United States since the term was first used in print in the United States by Kevin McGinnis in 2001. Unfortunately, the basic definitions of Emergency Medical Services as well as regulations in Virginia may block full implementation of this program, unless they can be changed. Yet one program in Chesterfield County has found a way to start successfully, despite these challenges.
Ever since 2001 when Kevin McGinnis first used the term ‘community paramedic’ (Rowley, 2001, p4) in the United States, the idea of expanding the role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers as an alternative way to provide primary and follow-up care to citizens has moved forward quickly. While originally envisioned to assist rural communities, more and more urban agencies have begun to explore the idea. In response, the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) has established a standing Community Paramedicine – Mobile Integrated Health (CP/MIH) Committee in an effort to centralise resources (National Association of State EMS Officials, 2015). Additionally, the North Central EMS Institute in Minnesota has established a trademarked community paramedic logo and collaborated to create a model curriculum for use by collegiate paramedic programmes (Community Paramedic Program, 2014a).
What is CP? Put simply, it could be considered an expansion or realignment in the focus of EMS. An effective graphic representation of this change was included in the 2013 CP briefing for the EMS on the Capitol Hill event prepared by the North Central EMS Institute, instead of viewing EMS as EMERGENCY Medical Services, CP's focus is on Emergency MEDICAL Services (Community Paramedic Program, 2014b).
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