MATHER, CA (MPG) – The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire or the District) will deploy the first Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit in the Sacramento region as part of a collaborative effort to combat COVID-19 in our community.  Up to six units are planned for the area with Metro Fire, the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD), and Cosumnes Fire Department (CSD Fire) each facilitating two units.  This partnership includes the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California and Sacramento County Public Health in additional to the regional fire agencies.  

This first unit placed in service by Metro Fire will be staffed by a Fire Captain who is also a licensed Physician Assistant (PA) and a Firefighter/Paramedic.  It will serve as an extension of the department of public health to assist in the broader response to the COVID 19 pandemic.  With a focus on identifying at risk individuals and communities it will provide resources, testing, and provide basic medical support to citizens who might not otherwise be able to access appropriate healthcare.

Although MIH units will look no different than a regular fire service ambulance, it will also include additional medical equipment to meet the advanced level of care a PA is able to provide in the community.  The MIH program is designed to integrate within the 9-1-1 system and broader healthcare community to provide post-discharge follow up for patients following their hospitalization and to address the needs of our at risk citizens who lack access to resources.  

Emergency service delivery is Metro Fire’s number one priority.  The launch of MIH after years of planning, with a focus on response to COVID-19 within the Sacramento Region, shows our commitment to the community we serve, the collaboration between local fire departments and emergency medical services providers, and public health agencies in Sacramento County.