Milton 410 (M410) is an Advanced Life Support unit that acts as a rapid response unit during a 911 event. This unit is staffed with one paramedic or registered nurse who ride in a vehicle equipped with lights and sirens so they can reach the site of a medical emergency faster.

M410 has the goal to treat, triage, and facilitate a smooth transition to the transporting ambulance. The unit is strategically placed around the city using a dynamic deployment model to help minimize its response time -- which is critical since every second counts in a medical crisis. It's also a significant cost- and time-saver for the City and its Fire Department, since it can free up larger (and more costly) apparatuses to respond to other emergencies.

The Hospital to Community Transition program is for patients discharged from a hospital so that they can seamlessly as possible, and with minimal health impacts, move back into their homes.

A medical professional can refer people for this program, or it may be part of Milton Fire-Rescue's follow-ups of 911 calls. However the connection is made, a registered nurse will contact you to arrange a home visit and design a personalized care plan that coincides with your discharge instructions. The RN will work with you for 30-to-90 days to support your recovery. They can also recommend outside resources such as transportation or meal arrangements. The HCT program works with Northside Hospital care coordinators to ensure your recovery is successful.

The Resilience Care Team (RCT) is a Milton Police and Milton Fire CARES partnership geared towards mental health. Members follow-up on patients who suffered from mental health incidents, guiding them and their loved ones to resources and treatment programs. The RCT also provides public education on topics of mental health and ways caregivers can assist their loved ones. All team members -- including a Police Officer, Registered Nurse, and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician -- all graduated from the Georgia Public Safety Center's Crisis Intervention Training program.

A significant part of Milton Fire CARES missions is giving community members the tools to improve not only their own health, but that of offers. With that in mind, CARES expert instructors lead CPR and Stop the Bleed classes, as well as a Safe Sitter classes designed for babysitters. These generally take place at Station 43 and are advertised on the City's social media. The CPR and Stop the Bleed classes are free and, while they offer very useful information, attendees DO NOT EARN CERTIFICATION. There's a fee for the Safe Sitter class.

Milton Fire CARES provides a range of services to the Milton community including:

• Medical assessments that include use of a cardiac monitoring system and checks of the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation (as well as an electrocardiogram and glucose check, if warranted)

• Follow-ups for hospital discharges and primary care doctor visits

• Home visits to, among other things, ensure trip hazards are addressed, smoke alarms are working, and that nothing in the residence poses a risk to the patient's health

• Wellness checks, also generally offered at homes, in which team members can perform a medical assessment as well as schedule monthly visits to assess vital signs, fall risks, and medication adherence (in addition to answering questions and offering other assistance) 

• Education on diseases and use of medical equipment

• Classes on topics such as CPR, choking and "Stop the Bleed" for subdivisions, businesses, healthcare facilities, teachers and more

• Administering vaccines, such as for the flu

• Medical reconciliation and adherence

• Referrals to the appropriate agency that will deliver the most appropriate care

Below are some commonly asked questions related to Milton Fire CARES:

Is there an age limit or qualification? No. Milton Fire will service people of all ages through this program.

How many visits will be needed? There's no set number; it depends on the individual. Some might need just one; for others, it's better to have multiple to make sure that the individual is in a safe, independent state (or, perhaps, moved somewhere they can get the daily care they need).

How much does this service cost? Nothing. Milton Fire will not bill anyone or their insurance for services provided.

If I've been discharged from the hospital, when will someone from CARES see me? We make it a priority to schedule patients within 48 hours of their release.

If I have chronic conditions but no urgent needs at this time, can I sign-up? Absolutely. We can schedule wellness and home safety checks.

Can you give in-home vaccinations? Yes, so long as the person lives within Milton city limits and is considered "high-risk" per CDC guidelines.

If I get a phone call from CARES, should I be worried? No. We routinely follow-up with patients.

Do I need a doctor's referral? No, though it is recommended. The patient or his family member can sign-up directly.

Will CARES install or insist in home alterations? No, CARES members cannot perform any home alterations. However, we can give referrals to others who can assist you.

Can you assist with tele-visits? Yes. We can be on-site if a physician needs someone to collect vital signs or address other medical needs.