ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 6, 1996 TAG: 9604080086
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
Information on buying $39 memberships in Pulaski County's revamped ambulance service will be mailed to county residents in late April and early May.
The one-year memberships cover any uninsured ambulance bills for residents who need emergency service during that time.
"Ambulance memberships are attractive to those residents on fixed incomes that want to protect themselves from unanticipated expenses, or those persons with chronic illness who feel they may need the ambulance," said David Smith, executive director of Regional Medical Services Inc.
The corporation's board of directors includes representatives of Pulaski County, the towns of Dublin and Pulaski, Radford and Pulaski community hospitals, the Pulaski County Lifesaving Crew and New River Valley Emergency Squad.
A study funded by the county and two towns showed that two volunteer squads were unable to muster enough people between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. for quick responses to emergency calls. Paid staff was hired for those hours. The two hospitals covered the extra cost through Sept. 30.
After that, the costs will be covered by charging people for ambulance use. The average cost of an ambulance trip will be $275 plus mileage and supply charges, some of which is usually covered by an individual's insurance. The $39 memberships will take care of any costs not covered by insurance.
Anyone who does not receive information on the memberships in the mail by early May can get membership packets at local governments offices after May 1. Memberships will continue to be offered through May and June.
A speaker's bureau to make presentations about the ambulance service changes and answer questions is available through Smith at 674-3600, extension 360.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB