FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dial 9-1-1
The Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD’s) will need to know:
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The LOCATION of the Emergency
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The PHONE NUMBER where the Emergency is
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The NATURE of the Emergency
Stay calm, speak clearly, and stay on the telephone until you are instructed to hang up.
Always remember to safely pull your vehicle to the right when you see an emergency vehicle approaching. Never stop in the middle of the road or precede though an intersection against the signals. An oncoming vehicle going through the intersection might not see you in time. Always pull to the right whenever possible.
In many ways, an ambulance is like a mobile emergency room. The ambulance carries the same equipment as the emergency room has – and even does the same procedures as the emergency room. Sometimes, a patient needs some medication or a special procedure prior to going to the hospital. Some medical conditions need to be addressed rapidly to ensure a positive outcome for the patient.
The fire department arrives with the ambulance to help the paramedic crew move a patient outside of their residence and also assists with patient care inside the ambulance. Most firefighters on the fire department are licensed medical first responders and can assist the paramedic crew with medications and advanced procedures.
Yes. If you are interested in a tour, contact the education department at (269) 925-2144 to schedule a time.
AMBULANCE SERVICE CHARGES
Patients may decline ambulance transport by requesting to sign a Refusal of Service form provided by the attending paramedics. Patients declining transport by signing the Refusal of Service form are not billed for paramedic services rendered at the scene unless cardiac monitors or medications are used.
Medic 1 Ambulance is supported in part by subsidy’s billed to the local municipalities to help cover a portion of the operating costs of the department. Residents of Medic 1 supporting municipalities, receive a reduced rate. The end user is charged a base rate, oxygen (if used) plus mileage as a standard in the industry.
From the patient care report, Medic 1 Ambulance generates a bill and will work with insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation and individual patients to facilitate the payment process.
Our staff serves as the custodian of medical records, and Federal HIPAA patient privacy practices are followed by this department. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Medic 1 Ambulance will accept Visa, Master Card, Cash, or Check for Payment. If you need to make payment arrangements or inform us of insurance please call our office Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. The phone number is 269-925-2144.
If you have any questions about a bill or would like further information, you can call or write Medic 1 Ambulance, we will need the date of service, patient name and social security number. (Please do not submit secure information, such as your social security number, via email)
Medic 1 Ambulance PO Box 1563 Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023 (269) 925-2144