We Care
The WeCare program is being developed to improve the health and wellness in the Fishers community by proactively addressing the healthcare needs of citizens, enhancing community access to social services, and offsetting the financial challenges associated with healthcare reform. With the creation of the WeCare program, the department plans to act as a safety net within the community.
Education/Awareness
The education and awareness component of the WeCare program will consist of a three pronged approach to community education regarding undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes. Residents may stop by any Fishers Fire station, obtain a free blood pressure check, and receive a card for tracking blood pressure readings that may be shared with their physician.
Home Visits
Fall Prevention
Injuries resulting from falls are a major cause of EMS responses leading to hospitalization, second only to motor vehicle accidents. 63% of those injured are greater than 60 years of age, with hospitalization occurring 81% of the time. By conducting in home safety audits and medication reconciliation, the department hopes to reduce the number of those injuries resulting in hospitalization by 15%. WeCare Paramedics will follow up with a phone call to all patients who the division has seen as the result of a fall at home and offer to provide a safety audit to help identify potential fall hazards.
Social Service Referral
Fishers responds to over 3,500 EMS incidents annually, and the department's firefighters often observe conditions and situations that could benefit from social service agencies. During the past 5 years, the department has noticed an increase in the number of citizens who find themselves in need of services.
The Fishers Fire Department has partnered with CICOA (Central Indiana Council on Aging), local hospitals and the Central Indiana United Way 211 information services to create community awareness of the program. The EMS Division will contact individuals who request information on the availability of services for their particular needs, as well as those that are identified as “at risk.” Following a phone interview and home visit, the division can better identify exactly what type and level of assistance will be required and coordinate the needed resources to assist citizens in need.
Frequent System User
Some individuals call 911 repeatedly because they or their family members are not familiar with the services that are available to meet their medical or social needs. By reviewing data, the department will identify those addresses and individuals that call for EMS more than 3 times in a 30 day time frame, contact the person and/or family to assist in identifying the reason for repetitive requests, and refer them to the proper resources.
Want to know more?
For more information, or to schedule a home safety check, please call 317-595-3200