Calling 911
If I am involved in an accident and someone else calls 911, and I am not transported will I be billed?
No
If I call 911 and an ambulance comes to my house, but does not transport, will I be billed?
You could possibly be billed for treatment, no transport. There are a number federally mandated factors taken into consideration when determining to charge or not, including length of time spent on scene, how many sets of vital signs were done or if other treatments or diagnostic tests were involved.
When I call 911, why do so many fire department vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulences show up?
Often when a 911 call is initially dispatched the exact nature of the call is not known for certain. Whidbey Island is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteer fire fighters who respond to medical emergencies to assist WGH ambulance personal. They are dispatched automatically to assist with vehicle extrication, traffic management, scene safety issues, and to offer extra manpower on high acuity patients.
Often fire dept. volunteers will arrive prior to the ambulance. These "First Responders" often bring fire equipment to assist them in their tasks on scene. They are able to begin basic care, deliver oxygen, or begin CPR until a paramedic unit arrives.
Sometimes they are required to leave one scene to respond to a fire call or other emergency.