Phoenix Fire is expanding services to include telehealth for non-emergency callers

The Phoenix Fire Department has expanded its 911 services to include a telehealth option for non-emergency callers.

In partnership with 911 dispatch and MD Ally, Phoenix Fire is offering callers that are unsure, or may be having a non-emergency event, to opt in to a telehealth assessment with an ER doctor.

The dispatcher will help the caller determine the level of care needed.

Fire spokesperson Mike Johnson II says Phoenix is the first large city in the country to implement the program.

“It is a choice, it is made by the caller. If at any time during that transfer they change their mind and they want to be transferred back to 911 and have the fire department show up, that is an option for them,” Johnson said.

Otherwise, the ER doctor would virtually take over the call.