New emergency response program rolls out in Spokane [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – A new program will connect Spokane 911 callers to new medical services starting Tuesday.

Entitled the Spokane Nurse Navigation Program, 911 dispatchers will be able to direct calls that they deem non-emergency situations to a Nurse Navigator who can help callers access care.

Fire Chief Julie O’Berg says that the program will be able to connect callers with local health clinics, urgent care facilities or virtual appointments with healthcare providers.

“Through this new partnership with AMR, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Officers will now have capability to transfer thousands of calls annually to the Nurse Navigation,” O’Berg said.

According to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, the service will not require medical insurance. Medical providers are required to provide emergency medical treatment under federal law regardless of their ability to pay.

The US Census Bureau states that low income people and those without healthcare insurance rely on emergency healthcare at a higher rate than their more affluent peers, costing …