Under the staffing of a Coweta County Fire Rescue paramedic (community paramedic) and a licensed therapist or social worker from Pathways Center, Coweta Cares is dispatched to treat eligible patients. The paramedic and counselor or social worker arrive on the scene together in a branded Coweta Cares vehicle and evaluate the patient. They check vitals and provide a medical assessment utilizing advanced and basic life support diagnostic equipment, along with a mental assessment using the Columbia Suicide Risk Assessment tool. Upon evaluation, they either treat and clear the patient on the scene – or transport them to a nearby Pathways facility to provide further care. In some cases, a telehealth assessment is provided. Coweta Cares also helps connect patients to non-profit organizations who may be able to assist the patient in the future.
Services Community Paramedics & Licensed Therapists May Provide:
- Behavioral health/mental health assessments
- De-escalation of individuals experiencing mental crisis
- Home safety assessments
- Mental health crisis mitigation
- Mental health patient transport to local facilities
- Pill box organization
- Suicide assessments
- Vital sign monitoring
Community Paramedics work in coordination with various medical providers, resources and organizations on a case-by-case basis.
