Mobile Integrated Health Program

Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) is a service of the Seattle Fire Department alongside firefighting, rescue and EMS that provides enhanced services to frequent 911 callers, highly complex patients, persons with non-emergent medical complaints and those with social needs. The MIH program aims to reduce the burden of these responses from our Operations division to improve their readiness and availability, while providing exceptional care to needy and vulnerable people in Seattle. Our work encompasses the Health One response team, the Vulnerable Adult reporting program and client case management, all in partnership with the Seattle Human Services Department.

• Health One
• Overdose Response Team
• Case Management
• Vulnerable Adults

Media

• Cornwell, P. (2024, February 26). Portland’s fentanyl crisis looks like Seattle’s, but approach veers. The Seattle Times.

• Parkersen, E. (2024, January 18). Hope Route ~ Seattle Fire Department’s Big Red Bus Has Been Running! SPIRIT 105.3.

• Dowling, S. (2024, January 13). Seattle Firefighters use big red bus to save people from the cold. FOX13 Seattle.

• KIRO 7 News Staff. (2024, January 12). Seattle’s Health One units jump into action as temperatures continue to drop. KIRO 7.

FAQ

What is the background of the SFD Mobile Integrated Health Program?
In May 2014, the Department launched a Low Acuity Alarm Task Force to investigate and provide recommendations on how to address the growing burden of non-emergent or lower acuity responses by the department. In 2015, the Task Force developed a Blueprint that described action steps necessary to implement a formal Low Acuity Alarm Program, which launched in 2016 with two full-time staff members. In 2019 the program name changed to Mobile Integrated Health to better reflect its work and align it with the standard terminology in the fire service. That same year saw the launch of its first mobile response unit.

What is a low acuity alarm? 
A low acuity alarm is a fire department call for service that does not present an immediate danger to life, health or property. Low acuity alarms can be medical in nature, such as minor pain or flu-like symptoms, or fire-related, such as a malfunctioning smoke detector.

Why are low acuity alarms an issue?
Units responding to low acuity alarms are committed to that incident, and are therefore unavailable for fires, rescues or serious medical emergencies. In addition to making SFD units unavailable for true emergencies, low acuity alarms are often resolved with unnecessary transport to hospital emergency departments, which stresses the medical system and may not provide the right level of care for the patient’s complaint. 

How are other jurisdictions addressing this problem? 
Fire departments around the country are experimenting with many strategies to cope with these incidents as well as situations such as behavioral crises, homeless crises and more. Some departments are using “community paramedics” who visit patients outside of 9-1-1 calls and help them manage their medical conditions. Others use dedicated low acuity or mobile integrated health response teams, while some are investing in more resources in their 9-1-1 centers to better triage and direct non-emergency calls.

How can I get assistance for someone who is reliant on 911? 
If you know someone who is or is becoming reliant on 911 and you believe that abuse, neglect or self-neglect are involved, you can call Washington DSHS at 1-866-END-HARM (363-4276) or use their online reporting form. General queries regarding low acuity responses and assistance for citizens can be directed to the SFD Mobile Integrated Health Program at (206) 233-7109.

Where can I get information about non-emergency resources?
The best one-stop-shop for information in the Seattle area is 211. You can call 211 toll free during business hours, or visit www.211.org or go directly to King County 211 at https://www.crisisconnections.org/get-help/. This resource provides information about healthcare, education, housing, disabilities, transportation, employment and financial assistance, food banks, immigrant issues, legal assistance, LGBTQ support and aging.

If someone is in mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, the King County Crisis Line 24/7 at (866) 427-4747, or the Warm Line at 877-500-WARM (9276). 

For questions relating to addiction and recovery, call (866) 789-1511, 24/7. For questions around aging, caregiver support and disabilities, visit  http://www.agingkingcounty.org/ or call (206) 684-0660.

For non-medical assistance, the SPD non-emergency line is (206) 625-5011.

Contact

Phone: (206) 233-7109
Email Jon.Ehrenfeld@seattle.gov