Snohomish County has a new tool for 911 response that will help free up emergency responders.
It’s called the Snohomish County Nurse Navigation Program. A nurse will now handle some medical calls.
If a 911 call comes in that’s considered a non-emergency, the caller will be directed to a nurse who will help them decide the best course of action, such as a virtual visit with a doctor or a trip to a clinic or urgent care center. The program will keep more first responders available for emergencies.
“If you call 911 for a medical issue, typically an ambulance transports you to a hospital emergency room, but the emergency room may not be the right place to receive the right care for your situation,” said Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco.