EMT at homeless shelter drastically reduces Des Moines ambulance calls

Des Moines' fire department recently staffed a paramedic at the city's largest homeless shelter, reducing dozens of emergency trips each week.

Why it matters: An overwhelming growth of lower-level emergency calls in recent years is stretching resources, threatening the department's ability to respond quickly to other calls.

Stunning stat: Department analysis of 2022 data found that 85 people amassed about 1,450 transports to area emergency rooms — just over 17 trips per person.

• Officials concluded that people without transportation sometimes call 911 rather than booking clinic appointments.

Driving the news: The department launched its "Mobile Integrated Healthcare" program in April to identify frequent 911 callers and partner with area philanthropic groups to offer them services like free doctor rides.

• An "acute care station" was also added to Central Iowa Shelter & Services, staffed with an EMT for 15 hours daily.

State of play: The most immediate results were recorded at the shelter, where emergency room transports have decreased more than 70% — from around 35 a week to 10 or fewer.

• Care for people at the shelter has improved while also freeing other emergency responders for calls in different parts of the city, assistant fire chief Percy Coleman tells Axios.

The fine print: It's unclear if the changes have saved the city money to date, but department officials believe the program's effectiveness in better using city resources will become apparent as it continues.

• Ambulance transports generally cost more than $600. DSM is negotiating with Medicaid providers to help cover the cost of the program that's helping to reduce the calls, per Coleman.

The intrigue: In more closely working with people experiencing homelessness, city officials learned many were transported to DSM from other communities for access to shelters and other services, Coleman says.

• The department aims to assist those who seek a return to their native communities, Coleman says.

Friction point: Multiple Iowa municipalities deny sending people experiencing homelessness to DSM despite being accused of doing so by Des Moines City Council members earlier this month.

• The accusations come as DSM considers public sleeping and camping bans. A final vote is expected Sept. 16.

The other side: Central Iowa Shelter & Services serves 16 counties and is not limited to DSM residents. It receives federal and state money as part of its larger mission, director Melissa O'Neil tells Axios.

• A coalition of advocates for people experiencing homelessness are working to expand shelter options in other parts of the state, O'Neil says.