Buffalo leaders are pushing for a new program called nurse navigation to improve ambulance response times and reduce the strain on emergency medical services (EMS).
The program would divert non-urgent 911 calls to trained medical professionals, but would not trigger an ambulance run or emergency room visit. Calls such as seniors confused about medication would be directed to a nurse call center, WIVB reports, leaving ambulance crews free to respond to more significant emergencies.
The program, which would be operated by American Medical Response (AMR), comes at no added cost to the city.
The city is currently negotiating a long-term contract with AMR, but the nurse navigation program could start before a new contract agreement is reached in hopes of immediately reducing the burden on emergency rooms and ambulances.
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