A recent study found around12,000 people in the Windsor-Essex County region call 911 three or more times a year.

To significantly reduce that number, EMS is launching a new program called Vulnerable Patient Navigator.

Essex Windsor EMS chief Bruce Krauter says almost 25 per cent of the calls they receive aren't emergencies at all.

“The vulnerable patients will be connected to one paramedic,” says Krauter. “They gain that relationship they gain that trust, it's almost like big brother big sister."

Krauter says four-full time paramedics will be designated to the program, visiting frequent callers at their home to monitor their conditions.

The paramedic will help educate patients on proper nutrition, proper use of medication and assess their living conditions.

 Windsor police have a similar program called C.O.A.S.T - the Community Outreach And Support Team. That program focuses heavily on mental health patients, while the vulnerable patient navigator focuses on patients who are dealing with medical issues.

Windsor city council approved $575,000 in funding for the first six months of the program, which is scheduled to launch in June.