I don't know the name of the person who spoke about the fee SCFD will be charging to pick someone up from the floor. They still have to fire up the large truck and the ambulance just in case when they arrive it turns out to be a transport. Also, even though "it only takes 20 minutes" they are being taken from what could be a real emergency. She also complained that we share the FD with Youngtown. I don't know the answer to this but will find out. Do Youngtown homeowners pay for the service in their taxes? I had to be transported once and it was a Peoria ambulance and FD truck that came to my house. Another question I will look into is do Peoria, Glendale and Surprise FD's pick folks up from the floor for free?
This really ticked me off too. I don't care what the individual's name is and I wouldn't post it anywhere if I knew Listen to Director Rick Gray's response. This is what really happened! I think we have reciprocal agreements with surrounding communities. I have seen El Mirage, Surprise and Peoria respond to our calls when our rigs were occupied. This sharing is a good way to operate, IMO. Youngtown pays same taxes as we do for fire services. In addition, I can't remember what year recently, but Youngtown purchased a brand new rig for SCFD that is used all over but especially in Sun City. Completely out of Youngtown funds. SCFD has no choice but to do fee for service. These folks, along with our Sheriff's department, are worth their weight in gold and it really is disturbing when people utter ignorant and disparaging comments.
It's my understanding that if they just come to pick you up off the floor they will bill you that charge ($????), but if you're transported to the hospital there's no charge. I still don't understand why they need to send the fire truck. When I was on my first aid squad we would answer the call and the EMT's would also show up in a small ambulance! What does the fire truck do that can't be done by a couple of EMT's is a small ambulance? If their budget was cut think of the fuel and maintenance costs that could be saved by not sending the fire truck. What am I missing?
I did call the other cities and yes they will pick someone who has fallen for free if there is no transport to an ED. There were two main differences: 1) The population is much younger so those calls are nowhere near the amount of falls as we do. 2) If they have no equipment available and have to use a for profit ambulance service there will be a charge. As for SCFD nothing is etched in stone, and no dollar figure has been announced. They don't expect to have any info until mid summer.
The same thing I am I guess. I was told they have to send both trucks no matter what. Probably a cya thing in case it turns out to be a much bigger issue than someone falling out of their chair. Oh and yes the insurance company is billed if you go to the ED. You pay the co-pay. The reason for that is the use of medical equipment, starting IV's, taking EKG's and on and on. I am sure it's a pretty hefty bill to Medicare, my co-pay was $250. I had quite the lovely talk with the office person at SCFD. She invited me to the next meeting.
There was an article in the SC Independent about a year or two ago, which I could not find, which explained why the use the rig and the ambulance to each call. I cannot recall the details now but it made sense. If anyone finds it, please post the link. Thanks.
You should also know if you aren't on SS yet or Medicare, an ambulance ride can be as much as $3000. It is very expensive to get ambulance rides.
About a 18 months ago we needed to use the fire dept services for a "pick up off the floor" call. Transport was necessary. The charge for transport was over $600 to Banner Boswell of which I paid $250.
It sure is, although if you are still working and have insurance thru your job your co-pay is not bad at all. Folks with no insurance tend to drive themselves to the ED, they can't be turned away and AHCCS is usually involved at that point.
That's the part people don't get, and why they have to come with all equipment. Think of the lawsuits that could come from a situation like that. It doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen.
Could not find that particular article but this explains it very well. Fire departments often send both a fire engine (or "rig") and an ambulance to medical emergencies to ensure prompt access to both basic and advanced life support, and to provide extra manpower for patient care and transport. Here's a more detailed explanation: Enhanced Medical Capabilities: Fire engines are often staffed with Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and/or paramedics, allowing them to provide initial medical assessment and treatment while the ambulance arrives. Additional Manpower: If a patient is critically ill or requires lifting and moving, the extra personnel on the fire engine can assist with patient care and transport to the ambulance. Faster Response: Fire engines are often closer to the scene of an emergency than ambulances, and they can be dispatched quickly to provide initial assistance. CPR and other advanced life support: If CPR or other advanced life support procedures are needed, the fire engine personnel can assist the ambulance crew. Departmental Policy: The decision to dispatch both a fire engine and an ambulance often depends on local protocols and the severity of the call. Fire-Based EMS: In some areas, fire departments are responsible for both fire suppression and emergency medical services, so they may dispatch both types of vehicles. Dual-Role Departments: Some fire departments have firefighters who are also paramedics, and they may spend time on ambulances run by their department
