Charging for ambulance is small price to pay

in OPINION by

Staff Editorial

No one likes to pay an expenditure they weren’t previously paying, but when health and safety are at stake, an exception must be made.

Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc. recently approved a decision to begin billing medical insurance companies for transports and services as of Jan. 1, according to a Feb. 15 letter sent to students’ parents from the university.

The letter said these services had previously been free to locals and St. Bonaventure students.

Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc., which has its services provided by volunteers, cited financial challenges, such as aging equipment, gas costs and increases in training-certificate costs as reasons for the change.

While some students may have an issue with the change, this action had to occur.

The points referenced in the letter suggest students and locals should not be in an uproar.

If they were not billed for the transports and services, patients treatments would involve out-of-date equipment and concerns would arise about the quality of care.

The issue of gas prices is an obvious one. If Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc. is unable to pay for fueling the vehicle, the possibility that the ambulance could be discontinued rises.

As far as the training-certificate costs, there is a need for these transports and services to be conducted by people who know what they are doing and trained personnel is essential for making sure that the patient is delivered and treated accordingly.

Even the idea of billing is not that uncommon in the area.

Olean Fire Chief Robert Bell said the City of Olean has charged for emergency transports and services since 1958.

While Bonaventure students and local residents have relied on free transports and services from Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc., the change is a sign of the times.

It may be a tad more taxing when the billing comes around, but having to pay the charge is ultimately the right decision.

The organization said in the letter it was disappointed it had to make this change, but without it the transports and services would suffer and, in turn, hurt the exact people it is trying to help.

The financial hit can be taken to make sure the best pre-emergency room services and adequate transportation to a hospital is provided.

The volunteer staff is not to blame in this instance and with the change patients are ensured better care than they were receiving prior.

If you have any questions about the new policy, you can email Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc. atalleganyrescueems@gmail.com.