Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does a fire truck respond when I called for an ambulance?

 

A. All of our firefighters are trained as an EMT or Paramedic  and are there to provide assistance for higher acuity calls.  In some cases the fire truck may be able to arrive sooner depending on the location of the call, therefore providing for a quicker response.

 

 

Q. Why did the ambulance arrive without the lights and sirens on?  What took so long?

 

A.  We are dispatched using a priority dispatch system.  The 911 dispatchers are trained to screen the severity of a call by asking a series of targeted questions based on the information given by the caller.  Calls that are determined not to be immediately life threatening are responded to without the lights and sirens.  This reduces risk for our medics and everyone else on the road.

 

Q. Why did I receive a bill for my ambulance trip?  I pay taxes!

 

A.  While EMS service is partially subsidized by tax revenue, operational expenses are covered through billing those that use the service.   For those with health insurance, you are generally only responsible for your deductible and/or co-pay.  Please contact your insurance company to find out what your coverage is for ambulance service. 

 

Q. What if I don't have health insurance?  I can't afford my ambulance bill.

 

A. Please contact our billing company at  877-602-2060 and they will work with you to set up a payment plan that accomodates your ability to pay.

 

Q. How much of my taxes go towards EMS service?

 

A. Residents of Hays County ESD #2 pay $0.03 per $100 of valuation for EMS service. For example, if you have a $150,000 house, you pay $45 a year for EMS service.