Covington's Firefighters Cut 9-1-1 Calls by 73% with Home-Based Care Pilot

A new approach to healthcare has been tested in Covington, where the local fire department ran a community paramedicine pilot. The programme aimed to connect vulnerable patients with better support outside traditional emergency services. Over 18 months, it delivered personalised care to dozens of residents with encouraging results.

The Covington Fire Department launched its Community Paramedicine pilot in March 2024. By October 2025, the initiative had served 89 patients through 352 home visits. Services included health assessments, medication reviews, chronic disease education, and links to local support networks.

Participants reported noticeable improvements in their mental health and a modest boost in overall well-being. Data also revealed a sharp drop in emergency service use: 9-1-1 calls fell by 73%, while emergency department visits decreased by 57%.

This pilot follows a wider trend across the USA, where cities like Denver, Portland, and regions in California and Texas have introduced similar schemes. Most focus on non-emergency care and integrating social services into healthcare. The Covington team now plans to expand the programme with regional partners to keep delivering innovative care.

The pilot's success highlights how targeted home-based care can reduce pressure on emergency services. With fewer hospital visits and better patient outcomes, the model offers a practical way to support vulnerable groups. The fire department is now working to extend the initiative beyond its trial phase.