Q and A

First off, our shift yesterday and last night was a very smooth shift. We ran seven calls and only transported one patient. So all in all, we cost the company money, I am sure lol.

Supermom asked a question in the last post, as have others in previous posts. Well, I would like to answer your questions. So on this post, please ask away and I will answer the questions the best I can.

Submitted by Supermom
Q: Are there any geographical boundries in which I run calls.
A: I can technically run calls anywhere in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties. This is an area of over 2400 sq miles. There are times when every unit but us are on a call. In that instance, our dispatch will move us to Lakeland and I55. If we catch a call, this is the most central point to come from in the metro area. Basically we cover to Pelehatchie in the east, Edwards in the west, Utica in the south and Camden/Madison county line to the north.
Also, if a neighboring county doesnt have enough units to run a call, or in case of a disaster (i.e. train derailment), we will go assist them if they request it.

Submitted by Stacey
Q: (sorta) I want to know about people not getting out of our way.
A: Well, in the state of Mississippi, you do not have to give us the right of way. If you want to drive 15 mph in front of us while we are responding to a call, fine and dandy. About the only recourse we have is an very loud airhorn. Though, with the exception of Jackson, most people do make way for us. I was responding to one call on a narrow road in Rankin county and a minvan pull over onto what she thought was the shoulder. It was actually a ditch. She was fine and her vehicle survived, but damn, that was a funny thing to see.

Next question
Q: How are you billed when recieving services from EMS.
A: Every company is different, so I can only speak for the company I work for. If you are transported to a hospital, then you will be charged. On avg. a trip in an ambulance starts at $800 and this does not include mileage or any treatment. (This is why I recommend to everyone calling up the office, if you live in hinds,madison or rankin, and asking to be sent a membership package. for about 50 bucks a year, everyone in your household is covered in case an ambulance is needed. Anything your insurance doesnt cover, they write off.)
If for example you are diabetic and your blood sugar plummets and we treat you at your house with an IV and medicine, and you decide not to go to the hospital, you only get charged for the treatment, which is a lot less.
If we come out and just check a person out to make sure they are ok, and no one gets transported or treated, then there is no charge.
As for billing, it is done privatly and won't be on your hospital bill. (in some places where the service is owned by the hospital its a different story). It will be sent to you about 60 days after your ride.


Q: What kind of mileage do ambulances get?
A. It can vary. The weights range anywhere from 7,500lb to 14,000 lb each. As you can imagine, they eat gas and are one reasons transports are so high.
I look forward to more questions.