Program Helps Patients Breathe

While I was down in New Orleans for the debut of A&E’s Nightwatch and the National Association of EMS Physicians’ annual conference, I was also able to visit with one of Acadian Ambulance’s community paramedics. Ashlee Ellington works with pediatric asthma patients in conjunction with the Louisiana Health Care Connection (LHCC).

Ellington explains that during the initial appointment she discusses the program with the parents; reviews the medical history of the child and current medications; notes the patient’s asthma triggers and outlines what they need to do when they do have an asthma attack.

“Patients are seen about once a week,” she says. “During those visits, we take the child’s vital signs and listen to their lung sounds. We have a peak flow meter that we’ll use with them.”

One of the goals of the program is to cut down on ED visits. “We make sure patients are using their medications properly, or check if they need refills. I’ll make doctor’s appointments for them as well,” says Ellington.

When asked whether she misses working on an ambulance the answer is no. “I enjoyed working on a truck, but this is a little bit more interesting. I love working with the kids and getting to know them. It’s really rewarding.”

For more information, see www.acadian.com and www.louisianahealthconnect.com. Also visit EMS World’s IHD Channel for the latest MIH-CP news: EMSWorld.com/integrated-healthcare.