This proposal would set up a federal grant program to help rural communities build “community paramedicine” services. These programs use specially trained paramedics, often working with nurses, doctors, or social workers, to bring care to people where they live, reduce non-urgent 911 and ER use, and improve access to primary care for underserved patients .

Key points

• What the grants can pay for: hiring and keeping community paramedics; costs for medical oversight; equipment like PPE, supplies, and vehicles; training and recertification; and public outreach about benefits of these programs.
• Who can apply: emergency medical services agencies; States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations; counties and cities; and organizations that represent EMS groups. For-profit entities cannot apply. Grant recipients may make subgrants or contracts to carry out the work.
• How much and how long: up to $750,000 for a single applicant, or $1,500,000 for joint applicants. Grants can last up to 5 years. Administrative costs are capped at 10% in year one and 5% in later years, and grantees must report on activities and results.
• How awards are decided: an advisory board will help review applications, and the need in the rural area will be considered. The agency must also notify Tribal emergency leaders about the program. Fifteen percent of funds are reserved for projects serving Tribal communities, with unused amounts reallocated to others if needed .