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Jun 17, 2009 7:22 pm US/Pacific
Tracy May Charge Victims For Paramedic Response
TRACY, Calif. (CBS13) ―
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The plan to charge for medical services could save the city $650,000 a year.
CBS
If you call 911 for a medical emergency in Tracy, get ready to open your wallet: The Fire Department will soon charge a fee for a firefighter paramedic to give you on-the-spot help before an ambulance arrives.
"The cost of that service is growing rapidly due to the advanced equipment and medication we provide," said Tracy Fire Chief Chris Bosch.
In order to save firefighter jobs and keep service levels the same, city officials recently approved the fees.
Most insurance companies will cover the expense, but not all.
"For the folks who can't afford it, we're going to work through that process with them and offer them options," Bosch said.
The department receives about 3,500 medical calls a year. Tracy residents who call often or want to avoid the $300 fee can pay $48 for an annual membership.
The plan is expected to save the city $650,000 a year. At least 17 other California cities already charge residents for similar services.
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