CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department announced the debut of the new Nurse Navigation program throughout Riverside County, effective September 17, in collaboration with the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department (EMD) and American Medical Response Ambulance Service, Inc.
The Nurse Navigation program enables CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department’s Fire Communications Dispatchers to use a new procedure that connects people to the right type of care for callers’ situations. These trained dispatchers use industry best practices and protocols to determine if a call requires an immediate response from first responders, or if a transfer to Nurse Navigation is appropriate.
For non-life-threatening emergencies, nurse navigators will assess the situation and determine if there is a more suitable alternative to an ambulance transport and a potential emergency department visit, such as self/home care or a visit with a clinician at a non-emergency facility.
This program is intended to assist citizens in suggesting alternative methods that best meet the needs of the person calling 911, often at a lower cost than an emergency department visit.
All callers will continue to have the right to request and receive an emergency response from first responders, regardless of the level of severity or recommendations of the Nurse Navigator.
“We are proud that CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is the first Emergency Communication Center in Riverside County to implement these enhanced protocols,” Fire Chief Bill Weiser said. “Our Fire Communications Dispatchers have demonstrated exceptional dedication in achieving the necessary accreditation to move forward with
the Nurse Navigation program. We look forward to the positive impact Nurse Navigation will have on both our communities and emergency responders.”
For more information, visit visit the Emergency Management Department’s website at www.rivcoready.org/911Nurse.
