Community paramedic program making impact

Program bridges gap when call is not a true emergency.

  • Columbia County Fire Rescue Capt. Jessica Islam, the community paramedic for the department, inventories medical supplies that she utilizes while working with local patients. The program, which launched less than a year ago, has served more than 120 patients and has a waiting list. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)
    Columbia County Fire Rescue Capt. Jessica Islam, the community paramedic for the department, inventories medical supplies that she utilizes while working with local patients. The program, which launched less than a year ago, has served more than 120 patients and has a waiting list. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

    Columbia County Fire Rescue has implemented a program where area residents can have their primary medical needs addressed without having to utilize emergency medical services or 911.

    The county is util…