Introducing Walter Rippy, WFD Community Paramedic

Submitted by Westfield Fire Department

Rippy

Westfield Fire Department’s (WFD) EMS Division is launching a full-time Community Paramedicine program, expanding its ability to provide proactive, patient-centered care beyond 911 emergencies.

Leading this program will be Paramedic Walter Rippy. He has six years of paramedic experience and 22 years as an EMT, bringing a wealth of knowledge to this critical role. Having worked in both hospital and field settings across urban and suburban environments, he is dedicated to bridging emergency care with long-term health solutions for our community.

A Community Paramedic is highly trained to help close the gap between emergency response and ongoing healthcare needs. This program focuses on chronic disease management, reducing ER visits and connecting patients with resources to help improve overall community health.

WFD’s innovative approach includes EPIC (Engaging People in Crisis), a mobile integrated health program that partners with fire, EMS, and law enforcement. Using EPIC, first responders can refer patients to the department’s Community Paramedic or Emergency Response Social Worker, for follow-up care – to assist them in receiving the right support at the right time.

The unique component of this program in Westfield is that WFD is one of the few fire departments with a full-time social worker embedded in the team. This allows WFD to address mental health crises, substance use, and other social determinants of health – providing, compassionate care and long-term solutions beyond the emergency.

With this approach, Westfield is providing progressive, community-focused care beyond the traditional emergency response.