Des Moines Program Aims To Reduce Non-Emergency 9-1-1 Calls

(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Fire Department reporting success with a Mobile Healthcare program, to help residents and reduce unnecessary 9-1-1 calls. The Fire Department says each year they get a record number of calls, and about one-third are deemed non-emergencies. In 2022, there were 82-people who repeatedly called 9-1-1, resulting in more than 14-hundred trips to the hospital. A mobile healthcare team, formed a few months ago, has been focusing on high-volume callers, offering health and safety checks and connecting people with other resources. They've also been visiting shelters and homeless camps.

"The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program provides a win-win scenario for Des Moines,” Des Moines Fire Department Chief John TeKippe said. “This program helps provide better healthcare outcomes for our residents, reduces the strain on our emergency response system and our firefighters, and relieves the pressure on an overburdened medical system."

“This team has shown that the key to its success is building relationships with residents, listening to their healthcare needs and treating them with respect and dignity,” DMFD Assistant Chief Percy Coleman said. “When we understand why certain individuals are calling frequently, we can help create solutions to get them the help they’re looking for without relying on our 911 services.”

“Through conversations with some of the homeless individuals we’ve treated, our team has learned that many of these people have been transported here from other communities and want to go home to the support systems they have there.” Coleman said. “We are always trying to help our patients get the resources they need, and sometimes that means helping them get home and connected to the right resources and services in their communities.”

Mobile Integrated Healthcare’s team of trained paramedics have made over 80 successful in-home visits and serves high-volume emergency room and 911 system users, those with mental health and substance abuse issues, and patients with chronic medical needs and transportation and mobility issues.

“We’re already seeing the difference that this program is making in our community,” Coleman said. “Our team has formed connections across the city with some of our most vulnerable residents. The relationships they form with residents are impactful and we know this program is improving the lives of the people we serve.”