April 15, 2022
Thousands of B.C. paramedics were trained in a care model that aims to keep palliative patients out of hospital as long as possible. The ASTaR initiative, which stands for assess, see, treat and refer, gives paramedics the tools to treat palliative patients at home in many cases. Advocates and caregivers welcomed the option to avoid a disruptive, stressful and potentially painful transport to an ER. Since the program launched in 2019, over 400 calls to 911 met the ASTaR guidelines, allowing them to receive treatment from paramedics and to stay in their homes. The model, initially introduced in five B.C. communities, was expanded provincewide.