As emergency medical resources have been strained by staffing shortages and a resurgence of COVID-19, Johnson County officials are considering changes to the way ambulances respond to 911 calls. Dr. Ryan Jacobsen, medical director for the Johnson County EMS System, said Tuesday that options are being weighed to weed out unnecessary calls for service such as mild illnesses. That could include a more in-depth screening process during 911 calls before dispatching an ambulance or having emergency responders advise patients to stay at home, Jacobsen said. “We’re trying to keep ambulances available for the true emergencies, traumatic injuries, car accidents, life-threatening things,” Jacobsen said during a COVID-19 briefing hosted by KU Health System, describing the potential move as unprecedented for the Kansas City area.
Source: KC Star Local News
