SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County Fire District 9 (SCFD 9) is planning to improve emergency medical response with the addition of three front-line ambulances.
These ambulances will be staffed 365 days a year and operate from SCFD 9’s central fire stations.
Chief Matthew Vinci highlighted the need for this new plan.
“We knew we could do better,” said Vinci.
According to SCFD, one provider, American Medical Response (AMR), handles 95% of all medical transport in Spokane County.
Vinci explained that AMR has recently increased its transport fees.
“It was a surprise to us to see a 96% increase in transport fees,” said Vinci.
According to Vinci, AMR’s base rate is now $4,700, the highest in Washington State.
He also said SCFD 9’s new ambulance plan aims to address these high costs.
“District nine residents, that are transported in district 9 will have any fees above what is collected for insurance, waived,” said Vinci.
In response, AMR Operations Manager Jack Busch emphasized the importance of recognizing potential financial implications, such as increased taxes, if SCFD 9’s proposal progresses.
“It is important for both the public and local stakeholders to recognize the potential financial implications, specifically the likelihood of increased taxes, if this proposal moves forward,” said Busch.
However, Vinci assured that there will be no additional taxes for transport services.
“For transport services, we have no additional taxes being assessed,” Vinci said.
SCFD 9’s model also promises faster response times.
Vinci explained that their model predicts SCFD 9 ambulances can arrive on the scene quicker than AMR.
“Over 70% of the time, we’re first on scene,” Vinci said.
The new plan also addresses “wall time,” the time ambulances wait before a patient is accepted into a hospital. Vinci explained they are working with hospitals to reduce these wait times.
Vinci explained SCFD 9’s data-driven model shows improvements in response times across various areas.
In urban areas, response is 3.59 seconds faster, while in remote areas, it is 12:06 faster.
“We really want to make sure that we have an emergency transport system in place, that serves the needs of our citizens,” said Vinci.
SCFD 9 is moving forward with obtaining a transport license to operate its ambulances, with Vinci explaining that the plan has passed its first hurdle with local approval for their initial license. They aim to begin services by July 1 if subsequent approvals are obtained.
Non Stop Local reached out to AMR for a statement. They said:
“Our understanding is that Fire Chief Matt Vinci’s proposal to assume responsibility for emergency medical services (EMS) remains under consideration–the Washington Department of Health has yet to grant approval for the advance life support transport license. Announcing the plan at this stage appears premature.
It is important for both the public and local stakeholders to recognize the potential financial implications, specifically the likelihood of increased taxes, if this proposal moves forward.
The community should be aware that emergency medical service (EMS) funding generally follows two models:
Tax-based systems, in which all residents contribute through local taxes regardless of service usage.
Service-based systems, such as Spokane’s, where individuals (or their insurers) who utilize the service are billed for care received.
We advocate for Spokane’s service-based model as it promotes quality EMS without imposing additional tax burdens on households.
AMR has adjusted its rates in Spokane, reflecting the nationwide trend of rising costs in EMS and healthcare. This includes investments in highly trained personnel, competitive wages, advanced equipment, supplies, and the maintenance of a fleet comprising 60 ambulances and nearly 300 qualified providers residing and working within the county.
For most patients, these adjustments will result in minimal or no impact. Medicare and Medicaid government programs set the reimbursement that ambulance providers must accept and those beneficiaries, which are the vast majority of patients transported, typically pay little to nothing out-of-pocket. Washington State’s balance-billing protections further restrict out-of-pocket expenses for patients with commercial insurance regulated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Additionally, AMR offers a compassionate care program to assist individuals experiencing financial hardship
The proposed rate adjustments, together with recent operational enhancements focused on improving availability and responsiveness, are essential for maintaining the high standard of service that Spokane residents have come to expect from AMR over the past 70 years.
Just like hospitals, utilities and other essential services, EMS must periodically adjust costs to keep pace with rising expenses for staff, equipment, and operations. For Spokane, this ensures no new taxes, continued exemplary care, improved availability and an EMS system that will always be there the moment it’s needed.”
