Since its launch in late 2014, the Emergency TeleHealth and Navigation (ETHAN) program has been a game-changer for emergency medical services in Houston. ETHAN leverages telemedicine technology to connect emergency responders with physicians in real time, ensuring that low-acuity patients receive the most appropriate level of care while optimizing the use of emergency medical resources.

ETHAN has provided care for over 37,000 patients who might have otherwise been transported to an Emergency Department (ED) unnecessarily. By offering virtual consultations and alternative care pathways, ETHAN ensures that each patient receives the appropriate level of medical attention without overwhelming hospital emergency rooms.

For non-life-threatening cases, ETHAN has successfully diverted more than 90% of patients away from ambulance transport. Instead of automatically being taken to a hospital, these patients receive medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals through a virtual consultation with a physician, reducing unnecessary strain on emergency services.

By reducing the number of unnecessary ambulance trips, ETHAN has saved the city of Houston approximately $22 million since its inception. Ambulance services are costly, and ETHAN ensures that these resources are used efficiently, prioritizing critical emergencies.

ETHAN allows emergency medical personnel to save an average of 44 minutes per call by enabling telehealth consultations instead of lengthy transport and ED processing. This time savings allows EMS teams to remain available for more urgent cases, improving response times for high-acuity emergencies.

ETHAN enables insurance providers and healthcare systems to direct patients to appropriate care settings outside of emergency departments, such as urgent care clinics or telemedicine visits. This shift reduces hospital overcrowding and improves patient outcomes by ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.

With the Houston Fire Department facing a shortfall of 600 firefighters, ETHAN has become an indispensable tool in maintaining operational efficiency. By reducing unnecessary ambulance deployments, ETHAN helps EMS personnel stay available for true emergencies, maximizing the department’s limited workforce.

ETHAN has proven to be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for Houston’s emergency medical system. By optimizing EMS utilization, reducing unnecessary hospital visits, and saving millions in healthcare costs, the program has allowed the city to allocate more resources toward patients with severe medical emergencies, ultimately improving overall public health and safety.