Community Paramedic Transforms Lives in Umatilla County

In Umatilla County, Oregon, a community paramedic is making a significant impact on the lives of the most vulnerable residents. Jessica Marcum, who works for the Umatilla County Fire District No. 1, has been recognized by the Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers for her dedicated efforts to assist those in need. Recently, she helped a homeless individual requiring urgent medical attention, showcasing the critical role of community paramedics in local healthcare.

The situation arose when Good Shepherd Health Care System contacted Marcum about a patient with a serious wound who had missed essential follow-up appointments. The hospital expressed concern that the wound could become infected, posing a serious health risk. The individual, who lacked transportation and had a history of frequent emergency calls, was known to reside at McKenzie Park.

Upon receiving the call for help, Marcum took immediate action. She partnered with a home health nurse familiar with the patient to locate them at the park. “The patient didn’t know they had missed their appointments,” Marcum stated. Once located, she arranged transportation to the hospital, ensuring the individual received necessary care. In addition, Marcum facilitated a move into transitional housing and connected the patient with Community Counseling Solutions for further assistance.

Since Marcum’s intervention, the patient’s health has improved significantly. Prior to her involvement, the individual had experienced three hospital admissions and one emergency room visit due to infections. Since then, there have been no readmissions for infections, highlighting the effectiveness of Marcum’s outreach.

Marcum emphasized the importance of accepting help, noting that not everyone in similar circumstances is willing to receive assistance. “It’s not often that people in this situation are receptive to help,” she explained, adding that sometimes it requires a gentle push to encourage individuals to accept necessary care.

As a community paramedic, Marcum’s responsibilities extend beyond emergency response. With 18 years of experience, she conducts post-hospital visits and welfare checks requested by doctors, identifying gaps in healthcare to provide comprehensive support. The Community Paramedicine program, a collaboration between the fire district and Good Shepherd Health Care System, serves over 90,000 residents across 5,500 square miles in Umatilla and Morrow counties.

Marcum expressed her passion for her role, stating, “I love the opportunity to become an expert on our local resources. With just a couple of calls, we can get people the help they didn’t even know existed.” Her commitment to enhancing community health exemplifies the vital work being done by paramedics in non-traditional roles, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.