Community Paramedic Transforms Lives in Umatilla County

In a significant outreach effort, Jessica Marcum, a community paramedic with the Umatilla County Fire District No. 1, has been recognized for her vital role in assisting vulnerable individuals in the region. Recently honored by the Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers, Marcum’s dedication was spotlighted when she successfully located a homeless patient who had missed critical medical appointments.

Responding to a Call for Help

The situation arose when Good Shepherd Health Care System reached out to Marcum regarding a patient who required urgent follow-up care for a wound. This individual, who had a history of frequent 911 calls, was homeless and lacked transportation. Concerned about the risk of infection, the hospital sought Marcum’s expertise to track down the patient.

“This person was known to reside at McKenzie Park,” Marcum explained. Accompanied by a home health nurse familiar with the case, she swiftly located the individual at the park. “The patient didn’t know they had missed their appointments,” Marcum noted. Thanks to her intervention, the patient received immediate treatment and was connected to transitional housing services through a few strategic phone calls.

Positive Outcomes from Compassionate Care

Marcum’s efforts have had a profound impact. Prior to her involvement, the patient had experienced three hospital admissions and one emergency room visit due to infections. Since receiving assistance from Marcum, there have been no further readmissions for infections, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted community care.

“We want to protect the person’s privacy,” Marcum stated, offering only that the patient is between 50 and 60 years old. She emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of those she helps.

Not all individuals in similar situations are open to receiving help. Marcum acknowledged that it can often take a concerted effort to encourage people to accept assistance. “It’s not often that people in this situation are receptive to help,” she remarked. “Sometimes it takes a little push to get them the help they need.”

With 18 years of experience as a paramedic, Marcum’s role extends beyond emergency response. She conducts post-hospital visits and welfare checks requested by healthcare professionals, highlighting the versatility and importance of community paramedics.

A Partnership for Effective Care

The Community Paramedicine program operated by the fire district is a collaborative effort with Good Shepherd Health Care System. It serves over 90,000 residents across 5,500 square miles in Umatilla and Morrow counties. This partnership is designed to bridge gaps in healthcare access for the most vulnerable populations.

Marcum expressed her passion for her role, stating, “I love the opportunity to become an expert on our local resources. With just a couple of calls, we can get them the help they didn’t even know existed.” Her commitment to improving the lives of those in need demonstrates the power of community-oriented healthcare initiatives.

As community paramedics like Marcum continue their vital work, the overall health and well-being of individuals in Umatilla County is significantly enhanced, illustrating the importance of accessible and compassionate medical care.