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  he
role of the Winter Park Fire Department has evolved dramatically
since 1900 when the first organized fire department was
formed in Winter Park. Requests for additional services
demanded that the fire department redefine their mission
to include the delivery of emergency medical services. In
the beginning, firefighters were trained to administer first
aid along with the other basic life support functions. Today,
Winter Park firefighters are highly trained and well equipped
to perform a wide-array of pre-hospital patient care procedures.
Why
did the City get into the medical transportation business?
A decision was made our City Commission to allow the department
to begin transporting patients on Jan. 1, 1997. The department
was able to demonstrate that with the current capabilities
of our City firefighter/paramedics the City itself could
provide a more streamlined level of service. In addition
to  improving consistency of care, the department
is now generating revenue that serves to offset the costs
of providing other City services. Previous to this, a private
ambulance unit was requested at each 9-1-1 call for medical
assistance. Under the new system, a private ambulance may
still be requested for non-emergency medical transportation
needs.
Are
the same people trained and certified as firefighters also
used to provide the emergency medical services?
Absolutely. A firefighter in Winter Park is certified with
the State of Florida as both a firefighter and either an
Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. This allows the
City to utilize one employee to perform two jobs.
Who
takes me to the hospital if I need to go in an emergency?
Fire-Rescue currently staffs two full-time, transport capable
ambulances within the City. These units serve a dual role
by responding to fires in the City as well. Should one or
both of these units be busy at the time of your call, an
ambulance may serve you by a neighboring fire department or other private ambulance
agency. In many cases a fire truck will also respond to
assist in your treatment. These trucks are also capable
of providing Advanced Life Support services and are staffed
by certified paramedics. By calling 9-1-1, you put in motion
a system that is designed to provide you the quickest access
to high quality emergency medical services.
Can
I be taken to the hospital of my choice by the fire department
ambulance?
The
Fire Department is operating an EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE.
In many cases, the patient may not be able to request a
particular hospital due to the nature of their injury or
illness. In these cases our paramedics are under strict
protocols to transport emergency patients to the closest
medical facility able to handle your care. If you or your
physician is able to request a particular hospital we will
do everything in our power to see that your request is met.
In some cases,  if your case is not deemed an emergency, a private ambulance
company called at our request may transport you. Please
understand our units are designed to respond to real medical
emergencies. If you are simply in need of a ride to your
doctor's office or other regular medical treatment we are
not going to be able to serve your request.
Will
I receive a bill from the City for emergency medical services?
Citizens who are transported by fire-rescue ambulance will
receive a bill for the services rendered. The fee is used
to offset the costs of all City services and is placed into
the City's general fund. Approximately $300,000 has been
generated each year since the service began in 1997.
Currently
the rate for fire-rescue medical transportation is:
Basic
Life Support Services: $400
Advance
Life Support Services - Level 1: $500
Advanced
Life Support Services - Level 2: $600
All
transport fees are in addition to a charge of $7 per mile
from your emergency scene to the hospital.
Payment
is NOT required at the time of service. You will receive
a notice several weeks after your incident. Most insurance,
including Medicare and Medicaid, are currently covering
this charge. You may want to check with your own company
for more information.
Questions
regarding all EMS Patient Transport charges should be directed
to the following email address:
winterpark@bellsouth.net.
Medical
Claims Processors Group, Inc.
P.O.
Box 8063
Jupiter,
Florida 33468-8063
888-508-5755
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