Town of Lakewood launches neighborhood paramedic program

LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WOIO) — It’s a sentiment any adult, including Miss Ameeya, can’t shake.

I wondered if something happened to an elderly parent, like a fall, and he needed paramedics right away.

That’s why the Town of Lakewood is launching a neighborhood paramedic program.

Paramedic Mike Sanders told 19 News how it would work.

“We will go to their homes to do in-home assessments to identify preventable causes,” he said.

In 2021 alone, Lakewood EMS responded to more than 650 calls from seniors with fall injuries, more than half of which were severe enough to require hospital or emergency room service.

Kate Ingersoll is the Executive Director of the Healthy Lakewood Foundation. The group provided $70,000 to help with start-up costs.

An important program that can potentially save lives.

Are you looking to take advantage of it?

All you have to do is contact Lakewood Mayor Megan George’s office.

“A paramedic will fill a serious gap in our delivery of wellness services to our Lakewood residents,” George said.

Returning to Miss Ameeya, she says this is a step in the right direction.

“Make sure they can reach someone in case they have a need like a fall or shortness of breath,” she said.

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