Everyone outside of USA:
US First responder here, Just some info for folks, you only get billed if a private ambulance company or a fire department transports. The medical service provided by your local fire department or FD/municipal paramedic is free. Call us when something goes wrong, We will show up and evaluate you/provide care (stop the bleeding, splint the injury, administer epinephrine) free of charge, And then you can have a friend or uber transport you to the hospital (or sign AMA and just stay home if you donāt want to go to the hospital either.)
Also, in a large number of counties, there are public paramedics paid for by the taxpayers, so ALS transport is free. Iād advise researching your local system.
Please donāt avoid calling 911 for a medical emergency because youāre afraid of bills, you have the right to refuse transport which is where the bills occur.
I have to repeat, you will NOT be billed for medical services provided on scene by the fire department/paramedics, And you have the RIGHT to refuse transport even if not going to the hospital will kill you.
I will always reblog
Had to take a bunch of CPR and first aid classes for my job in college. This is what the paramedics who taught us told us every class. Always call the fire department first because theyāll help you but wonāt change you thousands of dollars because we pay for them through our taxes.
