Mobile Integrated Healthcare
The West Allis Fire Department's Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program is designed to reduce call volume by mitigating non-life threatening issues before they become an emergency. We staff a single 24-hour provider who operates in their own vehicle. Their day is split between responding to 911 calls and scheduled visits. They are available to respond directly to scenes and transport those in need to appropriate facilities as the person’s conditions allow. Here are some examples of what types of scenarios or types of conditions individuals may suffer from that may benefit from MIH’s involvement:
Non-violent psychiatric situations where the person is seeking mental health resources
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal individuals (without having taken anything to harm themselves and non-threatening)
Individual dealing with substance abuse (w/o Narcan administration) looking for rehab (after being searched by PD)
Individuals who are non-compliant with self-administered medications
Hoarding conditions
Homelessness
Victims of abuse (with the threat of harm, self or otherwise removed)
Individuals needing assistance with healthcare navigation (COPD, CHF, diabetes, STDs)
Areas of Concern
The MIH team focuses care on five areas of concern:
Fall Risk
Primary Risk Categories
Home Safety
Mobility Issues
Assistive Devices
Mental Health
Primary Risk Categories
Substance Use Disorder
Hoarding
Mental disorder navigation
Chronic Illnesses
Primary Risk Categories
COPD/Respiratory
CHF
Diabetes
STIs
Alzheimers/Dementia
Autoimmune diseases
OB/Early Childhood
Primary Risk Categories
Pre-natal health
WA/WM Educational Opportunities
Early childhood health and safety
Physiological and Socio-Economical Needs Navigation
Primary Risk Categories
Nutrition
Grant Opportunities
Animal Safety
Transport
Medical home
Insurance/Finances
Shelter
Safety/Abuse
Destinations MIH Can Take Patients
One drawback to traditional med units and ambulances is that they are only able to transport to a hospital emergency department. MIH can transport to:
Psychiatric hospitals (Rogers, Dewey, St. Francis, etc. )
Substance abuse/rehabilitation facilities (CMS, First Step, ASAP, etc.)
Urgent care clinics and/or private doctor appointments
Learn more about Mobile Integrated Healthcare's collaborative outreach for the homeless and those in need.