no more free rides on copter 1
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:34 pm
SD Helicopter Fee
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The City Council agreed today to charge patients for
transport to a hospital on the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's helicopter.
The panel's unanimous vote means patients, or their insurance companies,
will now be billed $3,250 an hour for an airlift on Copter 1.
According to a report to the City Council, the fee is needed to
``maximize the existing and growing fiscal impact to the city that occurs from
providing these services gratis.''
Since April, the SDFRD has transported 54 patients to hospitals in the
region aboard Copter 1, according to the report. A total of 61 patients were
flown to area hospitals on Copter 1 in 2006.
The city purchased Copter 1 in 2005, primarily to fight wildfires, but
it is also equipped with life-support equipment.
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The City Council agreed today to charge patients for
transport to a hospital on the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's helicopter.
The panel's unanimous vote means patients, or their insurance companies,
will now be billed $3,250 an hour for an airlift on Copter 1.
According to a report to the City Council, the fee is needed to
``maximize the existing and growing fiscal impact to the city that occurs from
providing these services gratis.''
Since April, the SDFRD has transported 54 patients to hospitals in the
region aboard Copter 1, according to the report. A total of 61 patients were
flown to area hospitals on Copter 1 in 2006.
The city purchased Copter 1 in 2005, primarily to fight wildfires, but
it is also equipped with life-support equipment.