The cost of an ambulance ride could increase significantly – about 80 percent —-in order to keep up with increases in costs.

Fire Chief Mario Novoa presented information on costs and needs for the city’s ambulance service during a presentation to the Douglas City Council on Wednesday, February 10.

Currently the City of Douglas Ambulance Service charges $512 for a service call and $8.21 per mile for transport.

The rate, which has not increased since 2002, is the third lowest in the state, and far behind the rates in other Cochise County communities.

Service calls in other communities are:

√ Sunsites-Pearce Fire District Ambulance Service, $803.

√ Sierra Vista Fire Department, $767.

√ Whetstone Fire District Ambulance Service, $832.

√ Healthcare Innovations, $1,203.

√ Fry Fire District, $900.

√ Elfrida Ambulance Service, 800.

√ Bisbee Fire Department, $850.

√ Arizona Ambulance Transport, $819.

Novoa said Douglas calls should be priced in the $850 to $900 range.

“Even at that rate we will not be self-sustaining. But we will be closer to covering our expenses. We need to keep the division viable.”

Novoa said that even through the rates have remained the same, the number of calls continue to increase as does salaries, fuel, vehicles, medical supplies, and equipment.

“More calls, More Expenses. Less Revenue,” he said.

In addition to the calls fee not covering the expenses, Novoa said they are only collecting 50 to 60 percent of the billing.

The city council took no action because this was just information. The city is required to pass a resolution or ordinance to approve any increase. Then the matter goes to the Arizona Department of Health Services for final approval.

Once the city take action, Novoa said it would only take about a month or two for ADHS to act.

There was no indication whether the increase would take place over a series of years or in one lump sum, if approved.

In a related matter, the council approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with FEMA for a reimbursable grant to be utilized for the purchase of firefighters personal protective equipment to fight wildland fires.

Novoa explained that the protective equipment they currently wear is too heavy when fighting wildfires and can cause heat exhaustion if required to do so for a long period of time.