Lambton Community Paramedicine Program Receives Provincial Funding

Petrolia, ON - The County of Lambton will be receiving one-time funding of over $2.8 million dollars to support the Community Paramedicine Program in providing eligible seniors with 24/7 access to community paramedicine services.

This funding will be allocated to continued services that ensure seniors and other at-risk individuals remain stable in their own homes or community-based settings for as long as possible while on the provincial long-term care waitlist.

"The expansion of our community based programs is great news for our paramedics, our service, and our community," said Steve Pancino, Manager, Lambton EMS. "Community based, proactive care is a pillar of service paramedics are able to provide as part of the healthcare continuum. The success of our programs to date would not be possible without the incredible support and collaboration between our service partners, including Bluewater Health, primary care providers, the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network and Ontario Health West."

The Community Paramedic program was introduced in 2017 and works with a number of community stakeholders to provide case management, coordinated care planning and other proactive measures in the community, versus in traditional 'bricks and mortar' health settings. Community Paramedics work with community partners to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, with the goal to reduce unnecessary 911 calls, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions by helping at-risk residents stay healthy and happy in their home.

The $2,843,400 in one-time funding will be distributed over a four-year transfer period during the 2020-2024 funding years.

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Please contact:

Steve Pancino
Manager, Lambton EMS
County of Lambton
519-882-2442 ext. 5005
Email Steve Pancino

Photo (L to R): Mark Duffy (Lambton EMS Community Paramedic), Kevin Marriott (Lambton County Warden), Bob Bailey (MPP Sarnia-Lambton), Steve Pancino (Lambton EMS Manager), Andrew Taylor (General Manager, Public Health Services Division).