Sean C. Morgan
The
Sweet Home Ambulance and Fire District Board of Directors held the
first readings Dec. 15 of ordinances that will allow it to start
charging fees for responses to traffic accidents and to formally
establish a policy for charging for medical calls where the patient
is not transported to the hospital, referred to as “aid calls.”
Aid
Calls
In
the past, the district has operated under a “resolution” when
charging for aid calls in which no patient is transported to a
hospital, said Chief Dave Barringer. Ideally that should be in the
form of an ordinance instead of a resolution.
Ordinances
require the board to hold two readings, allowing the public time for
input, prior to approving them, while the board may act immediately
on resolutions. Once the ordinance is set, the board can change fees
under the ordinance by resolution.
“We
haven’t been charging on a consistent basis,” Barringer said.
It’s been discretionary, with billing typically directed toward
diabetic medication.
The
ordinance sets a rate of $300 for aid calls. Charges for mileage are
set at $22 per mile. The base rate for ambulance service is $1,200 in
district for advanced life support and $1,100 for basic life support.
Under the proposed ordinance, the district charges $1,600 for ALS and
$1,500 for BLS for calls outside the district.
Under
the proposed ordinance, an aid call fee is charged when an ambulance
responds to a medical incident and provides medical treatment but
does not transport the patient. The aid call fee depends on
circumstances but is usually only charged when significant medical
treatment is provided.
Among
the criteria are starting or attempting to start an IV, giving
medication or administering a 12-lead EKG with an assessment. A
three-lead EKG for diagnostic purposes does not constitute an aid
call unless non-reusable supplies are used.
The
district will continue to check blood sugar at no charge.
Motor
Vehicle Accidents
The
district has not charged anyone when responding to motor vehicle
accidents or providing rescue services in the past.
The
proposed ordinance would allow the district to charge for the use of
equipment and apparatus and other expenses incurred in furnishing
assistance to those who do not reside in the district or when
responding outside the district.
The
ordinance outlines a reporting procedure for the officer in charge at
the scene. The officer will establish the residency of the
individuals and companies involved in the incident, including auto
insurance; request a copy of a law enforcement agency’s report;
inventory expended supplies, such as fire extinguishers, used to
control the incident; and inventory all apparatus, personnel and
total time necessary for each piece of equipment or person to control
the incident.
The
ordinance sets rates for different components of a response. The
first hour is charged in full, with charges accruing at 15-minute
intervals afterward.
A
command or utility vehicle would cost $35 per hour. An engine or
rescue engine would cost $100 per hour; a tender, $55; ambulance
staffed with two EMTs, $55; career personnel, $25; volunteer
personnel, $15.
Supplies
and repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, where the district
is not responsible for the damage, would be billed at actual cost.
After
assessing the costs against a responsible party, the fire district
would mail an itemized invoice to the responsible party’s last
known address. The bill would be payable within 30 days, with a 1
percent late fee charged monthly.
Billing
disputes may be appealed to the fire chief, according to the proposed
ordinance. On an appeal, the chief would consider the circumstances
and make a determination. The chief could adjust or dismiss the fees.
The
district can accommodate people who need to set up payment plans,
Barringer said.
Both
of the proposed ordinances return during the Jan. 19 meeting, held at
7 p.m. at the Fire Hall, 1099 Long St. Following a second reading,
the board may choose to adopt the ordinances.
Present
during the board’s regular meeting held on Dec. 15 were members
Larry Johnson, Tim Geil, Elmer Riemer, Don Hopkins and President Dawn
Mitchell.
For
copies of the ordinances or for further information, contact the
district at (541) 367-5882.