Ambulance rates to drop in Douglas County

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1998 | 2:17 a.m.

The difference will come in the form of a new, lower rate for basic life support ambulances staffed by volunteer emergency medical technicians.

The county currently has just one rate, $435. It's the same one assessed to advanced life support ambulances, which are staffed by paid paramedics.

Jim Reinhardt, chief of the East Fork fire and paramedic districts, said the change is needed because federal guidelines require separate rates for each type of service.

The county has two staffed ambulances and capability for a third, but is otherwise supplemented by volunteer firefighters and paramedics.

Reinhardt said the volunteer ambulances are being used more frequently than in past years. He proposed a base rate of $350.

But the county commissioners rejected that, saying they want solid proof that the rate is reasonable.

Reinhardt is to return with a revised figure Dec. 3.

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