What is an Alternate Destination Unit?

[firepost 15]

I noticed that LA City Station 15 has both an Advanced Provider Unit and an Alternate Destination Unit. What exactly is an Alternate Destination Unit? I saw a 2 second video of the Alternative Destination Unit and it appeared to be more of an SUV van as opposed to an Ambulance Unless that was just a spare rig, 

I know that the intention of of Advanced Provider Unit is to try and handle some of the "Frequent Flyer's" by treating them on the scene or referring them to more appropriate local resources then to always take them to the ERs which may be unneccessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by firepost

[Generic 6]

The Alternate Destination Response Unit (ADRU) is a new pilot program started by LAFD on June 10th, 2019. Staffed by two firefighter-paramedics, AD15 is able to send stable mental patients to a Mental Health Urgent Care Center and ETOH/intoxicated patients to a sobering center both via BLS ambulance

[firepost 15]

12 hours ago, Generic said:

The Alternate Destination Response Unit (ADRU) is a new pilot program started by LAFD on June 10th, 2019. Staffed by two firefighter-paramedics, AD15 is able to send stable mental patients to a Mental Health Urgent Care Center and ETOH/intoxicated patients to a sobering center both via BLS ambulance

 Thanks for  sending the information, however why would it take the paramedics on the Alternate Destination unit to be able to send a patient to an Mental Health Urgent Care center of a Sobering Center? Shouldn't any Lafd paramedic be able to do that.I would figure that Paramedics that are assigned to any of the Ambulances or Assessment companies should have the training and authorization fo send patients to an Alternate Destination. To only have one such unit assigned to one station who can do that seems like a poor use of resources. There are patients  all over the city that I am sure can be diverted so why keep the only unit with that kind Authority just located at Station 15? It just doesn't seem to make sense.

[Generic 6]

Paramedics are initially trained to provide life saving assessments and treatments to the sick and injured. What happens in the field is that there is so much non-life threatening calls that paramedics start to learn through experience and sometimes extra training classes about some of the various diseases etc. They assess the patient and determine if there is anything critical that needs to be dealt with and start treatment. If there is not a critical or serious condition, then you determine what the best course of action. Paramedics don't have in depth training on mental health and alcohol related problems. This is a long term problem with probably a long term solution.

The LAFD has decided to allow certain paramedics to have specialized training to deal with these types of situations. They started this with a pilot program to see if it helps the patient and takes the burden off the hospital and the department. They don't want to poor millions of dollars into a program that they find out later that it does not work. If they find that it works, they may expand it to the rest of the city. 

[e5911 23]

All EMTs and Paramedics get basic Mental Health training, this program is like a number of other Community Paramedicine Program models. All across the country, communities and hospitals are working to get the right tools to the patients keep them out of the ER.   In some cases as in Yuma we are working to keep people on their meds and treatment plans.  most programs in Arizona are using 1 Paramedic and one Social worker so if a patient needs 211 type help, the social worker can guide and in some cases set up appointments for the patient.

The other common practice used is that given the authority, these units can actually perform minor surgery, and prescribe meds to the patient.

[firepost 15]

On 7/14/2020 at 6:36 PM, Generic said:

Paramedics are initially trained to provide life saving assessments and treatments to the sick and injured. What happens in the field is that there is so much non-life threatening calls that paramedics start to learn through experience and sometimes extra training classes about some of the various diseases etc. They assess the patient and determine if there is anything critical that needs to be dealt with and start treatment. If there is not a critical or serious condition, then you determine what the best course of action. Paramedics don't have in depth training on mental health and alcohol related problems. This is a long term problem with probably a long term solution.

The LAFD has decided to allow certain paramedics to have specialized training to deal with these types of situations. They started this with a pilot program to see if it helps the patient and takes the burden off the hospital and the department. They don't want to poor millions of dollars into a program that they find out later that it does not work. If they find that it works, they may expand it to the rest of the city. 

So these specially trained paramedics seem like they would be functioning similar  to the crew on the Advanced Provider Units as they also attempt to divert patients from always going to an ER and finding a altemate or a more appropriate course of treatment.

Do you know what the dispatch protocol is for the Alternate Destination Unit. Do they first dispatch an Ambulance or an Assessment company and once they are on the scene they call for the Alternate Destination Unit or the Advanced Provider Unit if the paramedics deem it appropriate?

[Generic 6]

So these specially trained paramedics seem like they would be functioning similar  to the crew on the Advanced Provider Units as they also attempt to divert patients from always going to an ER and finding a altemate or a more appropriate course of treatment.

Correct
 

Do you know what the dispatch protocol is for the Alternate Destination Unit. Do they first dispatch an Ambulance or an Assessment company and once they are on the scene they call for the Alternate Destination Unit or the Advanced Provider Unit if the paramedics deem it appropriate?

I am guessing it is agency specific. There could be generic protocols out there like EMD but I am guessing not because it is not a widespread program.