I just have to ask. Whenever I read the UK papers on line, there are always complaints about how long it took for the ambulance to arrive.
Don't people just get a ride from a family member to hospital? I know if I was in labour, I wouldn't wait for an ambulance, I'd find a ride.
Here in my province an ambulance trip (even if you are in an accident) results in a $350 invoice. It's mostly paid by employee benefit insurance. But still calling an ambulance is about the last way I'd get to hospital.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I remember working an A+E years ago and people would call for an ambulance after they had left a nightclub and arrive at the hospital, only to get out of the vehicle and walk across the road to their home. They had no taxi money, so they used an ambulance...
In that case the hospital should bill then (if the practice still exists) and make sure it costs more than a Taxi
Does amaze me what people think is acceptable when dialling 999
Nice to know it's not just us on this side of the pond (Does anyone really say that anymore?) who has this problem.
I worked in a Baltimore hospital for a while, and there was a man who would call the ambulance daily and as soon as they arrived, he'd get out and go to his girlfriend's house. Eventually the fire department got an injunction against him and they no longer respond to calls to his home, emergency or not. He cried wolf once too often.
Unfortunately, he just started calling from a pay phone at the end of his block. But, as as soon as they saw who it was, they refused to take him.
Silverdragon102, BSN
1 Article; 39,477 Posts
In that case the hospital should bill then (if the practice still exists) and make sure it costs more than a Taxi
Does amaze me what people think is acceptable when dialling 999