DMFD’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program Brings Innovative, Proactive Approach To Resident Healthcare

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Each year, the Des Moines Fire Department sets a new record for 911 calls for service.

But as emergency medical calls rise by 5-7% annually, unnecessary emergency calls are also on the rise - with over a third of those calls deemed non-emergency calls.

Now, the Des Moines Fire Department has a new way to assist residents and reduce the number of unnecessary 911 calls. DMFD has launched Mobile Integrated Healthcare, a new initiative aimed at providing an innovative and proactive approach to healthcare for the residents of Des Moines.

"The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program provides a win-win scenario for Des Moines," Des Moines Fire Department Chief John TeKippe said. "This program helps provide better healthcare outcomes for our residents, reduces the strain on our emergency response system and our firefighters, and relieves the pressure on an overburdened medical system."

Among the rise in non-emergency calls, DMFD data shows that 82 high-volume callers were transported to the hospital by DMFD personnel 1,450 times in 2022 alone for an average of over 17 times per person. Since April, the Mobile Integrated Healthcare team has been reaching out and visiting high-volume users and addresses that originate frequent calls.

On these visits, the Mobile Integrated Healthcare team performs in-home health checks, home safety checks and connects residents with community resources to help manage their healthcare proactively.

"This team has shown that the key to its success is building relationships with residents, listening to their healthcare needs and treating them with respect and dignity," DMFD Assistant Chief Percy Coleman said. "When we understand why certain individuals are calling frequently, we can help create solutions to get them the help they're looking for without relying on our 911 services."

The Mobile Integrated Healthcare's team of paramedics routinely visits local shelters and homeless encampments where they perform healthcare checks and help manage chronic conditions, learning more about the care they need.

"Through conversations with some of the homeless individuals we've treated, our team has learned that many of these people have been transported here from other communities and want to go home to the support systems they have there." Coleman said. "We are always trying to help our patients get the resources they need, and sometimes that means helping them get home and connected to the right resources and services in their communities."

Mobile Integrated Healthcare's team of trained paramedics have made over 80 successful in-home visits and serves high-volume emergency room and 911 system users, those with mental health and substance abuse issues, and patients with chronic medical needs and transportation and mobility issues.

"We're already seeing the difference that this program is making in our community," Coleman said. "Our team has formed connections across the city with some of our most vulnerable residents. The relationships they form with residents are impactful and we know this program is improving the lives of the people we serve."

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