Seminole County is bringing health care to its residents with the county’s new community paramedicine program.

The goal is to get people the long-term help they need, staying in touch well after they call 911.

Every day is different for firefighter paramedics Jason Rappa and Lt. Curt Halcom, but their dedication to the community stays the same.

Their passion for helping others led them to launching Seminole County's new paramedicine program.  It's all about providing help in the long term after an emergency has passed, which Rappa loves. 

“I got into the fire department to try to make a difference. And I believe that's why all firefighters get into the business to try to do," Rappa said. 

The program is meant to link those who call 911 often with community resources that can help improve their quality of life. 

“We're connecting with our residents on a level that unfortunately, you know, EMS was created for in the beginning, but we're so busy now and so inundated with calls that some of this has gotten left behind over the years," Halcom said.

Since December, 70 residents have enrolled in the program, and the Community Paramedicine Team has made more than 700 visits to homes throughout the County.

One of those residents is 72-year-old Lory Lyons, who lives with her 85-year-old husband, Derek Lyons. Lory Lyons struggles to get around her apartment as she recovers from surgery. 

Lyons and her husband were introduced to the program as they called 911 often for help after falling. Her husband is temporarily in a nursing home and her daughters live out of state, so Rappa comes to check on her often.

"We hated to because we knew that they had people that were a lot sicker than we were to help," Lyons said. "But we were on the ground and didn't know how we really get up."

Ever since the incident, Rappa has stopped by to check in and connect her with resources to help her get the things she needs. He even put her in touch with an organization that got her a wheelchair to use for her doctor visits free of charge.

"You know, we're not people that have no investments in 401Ks I mean, God bless them,” Lyons. said “I'm so glad that they do that. We're just people who live on a pension. And money's been disappearing, you know, in thin air. So to have him say no, that was all taken care of, it was something I really desperately needed right now. Was a godsend, it really was."

Lyons said Rappa and this program have changed her life.

“He feels almost like a member of the family now," Lyons said. 

It gives her an extra layer of support when she needs it most. For Rappa, it is proof that the program is working.

“This is the exact reason why I got in this line of work," Rappa said. 

With all the difference they’ve made in just a few short months, Rappa and Halcolm said they hope they can expand the program even further to help even more people in need

“You should never walk past a problem you can fix,” Halcom said. 

Right now, the program is funded through 2024, but the county is exploring options for long-term funding.

At this time, 10 paramedics work this program when they are off duty, earning overtime.

The program is completely free.

For more information about the program, click here.