Community paramedicine in British Columbia: A virtual response to covid-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced innovative approaches to patient care delivery. The British Columbia Emergency Health Service has worked collaboratively with health authorities throughout the province since 2015 to improve the delivery of healthcare in rural and remote communities through the community paramedicine program. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise the risk to providers and patients, as well as conserve personal protective equipment, home visits and community engagement opportunities were suspended. However, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a large increase in the number of patients referred to the service and so alternate approaches to patient care delivery were urgently required. This commentary outlines the integration of home health monitoring technology into the community paramedicine program within British Columbia as well as the integration of virtual, telehealth consultations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.