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Ahhh! It’s so nice to know that when you’re in your most vulnerable medical need, our Emergency Health Services (i.e. the paramedics / ambulance) are right there for ya….with a bill – that you can’t afford to pay.
In Nova Scotia, for some bizarre reason, our ambulance service is privatized, which means and depending on where you are when you need an ambulance service, you’re gonna pay for it, and if you’re like the majority of those with a disability who’s on low income, you’re gonna pay BIG!!!
On December 29th, after several days of being sick with Strep Throat plus a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic for the Strep, I arose with extreme pain in both upper arms. I immediately realized that I could barely drive my power-chair within my apartment, never mind driving to a bus stop, or a long trek (by foot/wheel) to emerge. Still, I needed to know fast what thee hell was happening to my arms! Was this going to be a long term / permanent condition? If so, how the hell would I get around – even in my own apartment?
So at my direction, my attendant called 911. The paramedics were great. Both were very kind and helpful. They got me to emerge quickly. I would like to be able to say that once in emerge all went well, but I can’t. Even though it’s on my medical data that I’m allergic to Sulfa, (and with any allergy, the triage staff always put a red identifying band on your wrist) I unknowingly was prescribed a medication which contains Sulfa. This led to a second allergic reaction, resulting in blisters developing on both wrists for several days.
All this was by no means fun, but it’s life. Shit happens, as they say. But then a short time later, (when I barely had time to start recovering) I get 2 EHS bills (one for going to emerge and the other for going home since I didn’t have my power-chair with me) totaling nearly $300! Ouch man!
I’ve been told in the past, that if you’re taken by ambulance from a public place, i.e. a minor street accident, the EHS is free, but if they’re required from your home, look out for a huge bill.
In thinking about this, the EHS billing criteria seems more than unfair. If you get a few scrapes, you get a free ride – literally, but when you no other means to get to emerge from your home, you pay through the nose.
My hope in posting this little story is that someone within the system will read it, recognize the problem affecting many people in situations similar to mine, and will work on finding a fairer billing fee structure.
