EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE

   The services provided by the Lake City Fire Company are billed by West County Paramedics. Billable items include, but not limited to transportation, extrication, and supplies. The patient is financially responsible for the billing. Insurance may or may not cover any or all services provided by the Emergency Medical Service. As required by state law, Lake City Fire Company ensures that all patients are aware of this and a form is filled out with a copy for the patient at the time of transport.

What is HIPPA?

   The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require certain specific methods of handling the protected health information (PHI) of clients. On April 14, 2003,  these changes must be implemented. Fines, penalties and possible jail time can be imposed for non-compliance. To be compliant, a practice must:

  - Review the access employee's have to protected information and determine the "minimum necessary" access
  - Develop specific policies and procedures regarding the HIPAA requirements.
  - Provide training for current and all future employees on those policies and procedures.
  - Appoint a privacy officer to monitor the practice’s  HIPAA compliance.
  - Provide a Notice of Privacy Practices to all patients.
  - Obtain HIPAA-compliant agreements with all business associates 
  - Get a signed Authorization every time patient information is released per request of a client

HIPAA doesn't stop there. It also requires new procedures regarding patient access to their information: New procedures must be implemented to provide patients:

- Access to their medical information including providing copies at their request
- Ability to make amendments their records
- Accountings of any and all disclosures made of their medical information for any use other than treatment, payment and firm operations

How do I prepare for an Medical Emergency?

   Here are two ways you can prepare for a medical emergency that will save time and help responders. First, is to ensure your address is clearly marked on the home. Finding addresses can be very difficult and sometimes a guessing game when addresses are not visible form the roadway. Second, is to keep an accurate list of medications, allergies, and past medical history. This is information that the responders will need and having it ready will save time for both you and the EMS crew.

Why do two ambulances show up when there is an EMS incident?

   Many times multiple emergency vehicles will show up at the scene of a EMS incident. Since the Lake City Fire Company is a BLS provider, Paramedics (ALS) will respond in another unit. This is either a West County ambulance or a Paramedic SUV. Also, if additional help is request more units and personal vehicles may show up. When Lake City is on another call you may see an ambulance from one of the neighboring departments. (Girard, Springfield, Fairview)

Can I ride in the ambulance to the hospital with a family member of loved one if they are taken in?

       We do not allow for any one to ride along in the ambulance to transport to the hospital. We encourage the family member or loved one to either drive or get a ride if not capable of driving your self. A passenger in the ambulance is a potential distraction for the driver, which we try to minimize. There may be some exceptions to this which shall be made by the crew. (Example: Infant patient)

What should I do if family member or loved one is taken in by ambulance?

       Do Not Follow The Ambulance. If you are going to the hospital to be with the individual, take your time driving there. It is against the law to follow the ambulance in. All state laws are enforced including speeding, reckless driving, and running red lights. Take your time and remember your safety. Once at the hospital, if you are immediate family or someone authorized to register the patient, go to the registration station. The EMS crew will register the patient once at the hospital, however, by a family member registering them additional information may be available. The registration station will direct you from there.

If I go by ambulance to the hospital will I be seen in the ER faster?

   Just because you are taken by ambulance to the hospital does not mean you will be seen in the ER faster. The ER basis each emergency on severity. If they are busy and you do not have as severe of condition as others who are either there or in transport, you may have to wait until a room is available. The EMS crew will do all it can to see that you are seen within an acceptable time, however the hospital is in charge.

Any other questions regarding the Lake City Fire Company Emergency Medical Service can be directed to EMS@lakecityfire.org or you may call the station at 814-774-4402. ( For billing questions, choose choice 5 on the menu)