Chapter 3.434
AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES
Sections:
3.434.020 Ambulance transport service fees.
3.434.030 Provision of ambulance transport service.
3.434.040 Collection of ambulance transport service rates and fees.
3.434.010 Definitions.
“Advanced life support (ALS) assessment” means an assessment performed by an ALS crew as part of an emergency response that was necessary because the patient’s reported condition at the time of dispatch was such that only an ALS crew was qualified to perform the assessment. An ALS assessment does not necessarily result in determining that the patient requires an ALS level of service. The determination to respond emergently with an ALS ambulance must be in accord with the local 911 or equivalent service dispatch protocol.
“Advanced life support (ALS) intervention” means a procedure that is in accordance with state and local laws beyond the scope of practice of an emergency medical technician basic. An ALS intervention must be medically necessary to qualify as an intervention for payment of an ALS level of service.
“Advanced life support, level 1” (ALS1) means the transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services including the provision of an ALS assessment or at least one ALS intervention.
“Advanced life support, level 2” (ALS2) means the transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services including: (1) at least three separate administrations of one or more medications by intravenous push/bolus or by continuous infusion (excluding crystalloid fluids); or (2) ground ambulance transport and the provision of at least one of the following ALS procedures: manual defibrillation/cardioversion, endotracheal intubation, central venous line, cardiac pacing, chest decompression, surgical airway, and intraosseous line.
“Basic life support” (BLS) means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, including BLS ambulance services as defined by the state of Washington. The ambulance must be staffed by an individual who is qualified in accordance with state and local laws as an emergency medical technician basic (EMT).
Basic Life Support – Emergency Response. Emergency response is one in which a BLS level of service has been provided in immediate response to a 911 call or the equivalent. An immediate response is one in which the ambulance begins as quickly as possible to take the steps necessary to respond to the call.
“Emergency medical service (EMS)” means medical treatment and care which may be rendered at the scene of any medical emergency or while transporting any patient in an ambulance to an appropriate medical facility, including ambulance transportation between medical facilities. (Ord. 17-15 § 1, 2015).
3.434.020 Ambulance transport service fees.
A schedule of rates and fees for ambulance transport services, including BLS, BLS emergency response, ALS 1, and ALS 2 services, shall be adopted by resolution of the city council and published in the city’s taxes, rates and fees schedule. (Ord. 17-15 § 2, 2015).
3.434.030 Provision of ambulance transport service.
The ability to pay shall not be a condition of ambulance transport service. All aspects of emergency medical services the city provides, including ambulance transport service, shall be provided to all patients without discrimination based upon ability to pay. (Ord. 17-15 § 2, 2015).
3.434.040 Collection of ambulance transport service rates and fees.
The city council may establish programs with policies and procedures to provide for financial assistance, including but not limited to debt forgiveness, to persons who incur fees owed to the city as a result of receiving emergency medical and/or ambulance transport services. (Ord. 17-15 § 2, 2015).