Should the EMS system go to a paid system ?

[EMS must go paid !]

All you hear lately at local political events is "when are they going to go paid EMS in Suffolk"? The question comes across as though the decision has already been made. I know there is a pilot program with EMT's responding in Suffolk, and it seems to be adequate - so what are they waiting for? The Fireman in suffolk are sick of the EMS, sick of it because for too many years the wealthy nuilders here in Suffolk have been allowed to build "old folks" housing without first supplimenting the sub structure of the EMS system. The result has been that Fire Departments are inundated with EMS calls from those locations, in some FD's like Middle Island and Coram as much as a full 1/3 of all ambulance calls come from "liesure village" type communities. The answer is clear, go to a paid system. Take all the ambulances in suffolk and put two EMT's in every single one 24 X 7 X 365. Figure out a grid for response to alarms that gives everyone ample coverage and raise the taxes a few bucks a year to compensate for the salaries and budget line necessary to run it. Give current FF/EMT's who have been volleys a preferred list to hire from and get it done.

By doing this the volunteer Fire service will probably remain intact for the next thirty or forty years saving millions.

[past member fire/ems]

You are right, there should be a paid system. The way it should be run is the EMS of the fire departments should charge for the calls they go on. Most people have some type of insurance that will pay for an ambulance call. The money coming in would support the pay for a 24/7 staff. Every time a fire department takes someone in the ambulance and does not charge them they are leaving money on the table. When you try to tell people in the fire service about this they say we cant charge we are vollies, the same people that dont want to ride on EMS calls.

Other then Long Island most EMS have a charge system, you send a bill it goes to insurance and you get a check. When they say some people are too poor to pay they are the one with the best coverage, but thats a different topic.

I feel most departments could run a program like this, the extra work would be worth it, more money for staff and less bull from the fireman.

Let it go douche! We all know it should be paid because you people can't respond to 16's.

Also, get it off the FD thread!

[Paid EMS...yes]

Long Island is one of the few non-rural places in the USA that does not bill for EMS transports. Nassau PD does it and actually makes some money doing it... so it does not cost taxpayers anything.

Unfortunately, if I'm not mistaken, current NYS law makes it illegal for a volunteer FD to bill for ambulance transports. There are no corresponding restrictions of volunteer ambulance corps. They routinely bill in upstate NY. The Town of , since they, and not the FDs control EMS through thr funding of VACs could solve the ambulance response problems in through billing. Of course, that would require someone with a clue!

3rd party billing was already attempted in Shirley and what was then Brookhaven ambulance districts. The town of Crookhaven threatened to pull all tax money because they weren'y getting a cut of it.

As far a paid EMS, go for it. There would be a higher level of care with more proficient providers. There would be minimal affect on taxes because of the 3rd party billing. We might be able to save some money because we would not need as many ambulances, first responders and ambulance headquarters/garages. If we could do this, maybe everyone would realize that a consolidated FD would also be a good, economical thing (and we could still have a volley FD).

An excellent idea!

[Unregistered6666]

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