In conjunction with the City of Port Townsend, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) applied for and received an alternative response grant in 2022. The grant funded a new program called FIRE CARES. This program was modeled after the successful CARES program at the Poulsbo Fire Department and others throughout the region.
2024 Stats
The CARES team made a total of 1,363 contacts in 2024 – 226 new referral contact, 1,137 follow-ups. Services provided include; home visits, phone contacts, transportation arrangements, family/caregiver assistance, collateral contacts, health insurance sign up, case management and hospital diversion. It was found that the most prevalent reason for referral to the program were falls, followed by general assistance and unmet medical needs. The CARES team is currently activated through the 911 system. If Firefighters or law enforcement recognize further needs of a patient or citizen, they are referred through EJFR’s records management system and the CARES team reviews and makes the necessary contact.
Geographically, CARES serviced the East side of Jefferson County from Port Townsend in the north and down to Brinnon in the south county. Demographically, 1,419 contacts were made to individuals over 65 and 109 were Veterans.
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Year One Stats (2023)
The CARES team made a total of 1,286 contacts in 2023 – 249 new referral contact, 1,037 follow-ups. 
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EJFR launched FIRE CARES on January 1st, 2023.
The Fire CARES unit is staffed by a full time firefighter/EMT or firefighter/paramedic employed by EJFR, partnered with a full time prevention/intervention specialist employed by Believe in Recovery. The team also has access to a substance use disorder professionals who will assist with calls related to drug and alcohol use.
FIRE CARES is primarily a follow-up, intervention service focused on referring and providing appropriate services but will also serve as a specialty unit responding to behavioral health related crisis calls and behavioral health related needs. The team will also provide surge capacity to initial BH/MH responses and other high acuity EMS incidents, such as CPR. The CARES model can provide ongoing case management, care connection, and facilitate appropriate transport. It’s an approach that focuses on BH/MH and social/lifestyle interventions over time, which reduces the need for emergency services. The focus is on education and referral services, ensuring community members in need are gaining access to the most appropriate resources. CARES Program co-responders frequently conduct field-based follow-up to ensure community members are connected to adequate support and resources following a crisis or when identified as high frequency utilizers of the Emergency Medical and Law Enforcement systems.
Referrals
For more information on services and volunteer opportunities with FIRE CARES partners, please see the links listed below.
