CLARKSVILLE, IN (November 30, 2023) – Clarksville Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs says the department’s new paramedicine program is up and running.  It was announced earlier this summer that the department had been award $495,000 in grants from the Indiana Department of Health to support the program, which is the first of its kind in southern Indiana.

Working with Clark Memorial Hospital and LifeSpring Health Systems, the CFD will create a database of patients with approved treatment plans. The patients could be dealing with health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, respiratory issues, or postpartum concerns. Using the grant funds, the CFD has hired part-time paramedics to schedule short, in-home appointments with these patients to provide care, change dressings, and other related medical needs.

“We will make sure they are sticking to their treatment plans, taking their medication properly, and following up on appointments with their primary care doctor,” said Chief Skaggs.

The hope is that these scheduled visits will help keep patients on their treatment plans, which will then help prevent them from having to call 9-1-1 or going to the emergency room. Skaggs says Southern Indiana is dealing with overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms and that many people are using ambulance services for low acuity, or non-emergency runs.

Today the department released a new flyer which includes a QR code to download a patient referral form.  It also lists contact information for anyone who may have questions about the program.