A New Approach to Emergency Medical Services

The Right Care at the Right Time

The City of McKinney is one of the first cities in the nation to offer the Community Healthcare Program (CHP), a new approach to healthcare designed to better serve the needs of McKinney residents. CHP targets those who now rely heavily on the Emergency Medical System (EMS) for routine medical services. The program provides ongoing personal care for qualified residents that improves patient outcomes, drastically reduces costs to residents and decreases reliance on emergency services in the city.

The Right Resources

Advanced Practice Paramedics (APPs) from the McKinney Fire Department are community healthcare advocates. In consultation with a patient's healthcare providers, APPs visit patients at home, in the hospital and after release to provide individualized services. They offer consultation, medical knowledge and a common connection to all professionals on the resident's medical team. Sometimes more importantly, they offer a personal, compassionate approach. As a result, patients have less need for EMS and hospital emergency room services.

Integrated With Other Healthcare / Social Service Providers

The McKinney Fire Department has forged partnerships with healthcare providers, social service agencies and other key providers to create a service that better meets the needs of McKinney residents. McKinney's APPs can encourage residents toward healthcare options that are more appropriate than the emergency room.

The Six Cs of McKinney's Community Healthcare Program

• Community - Meet a current unfulfilled need
• Complimentary - Enhance, not duplicate services
• Collaborative - Interdisciplinary
• Competence - Qualified practitioners
• Compassion - Respect for individuals
• Credentialed - Legally authorized