Ambulance Service Fees

Ambulance service fees are based on the highest level of care provided and include the billing categories identified by Medicare.

We classify each ambulance service call into one of the six billing categories and bill accordingly.

Emergency response is a BLS, ALS 1 or ALS 2 level of service provided in immediate response to a 911 call or the equivalent.

Ambulance Billing Category Descriptions

BLS (non-emergency)

Response to treat /transport a patient includes:

• checking vitals, oxygen administration, etc.
• maintaining an existing IV but with no IV initiated
• minimal use of supplies
• These calls are mostly non-emergency "transport" patients who are routinely transported by private ambulance services to various locations (hospitals, doctor's offices, homes, etc.).
• We rarely handle these types of calls and do so only in defined critical situations.

BLS (emergency)

Emergency response for a patient who is treated /transported to a hospital includes:

• checking vitals, oxygen administration, splinting, bandaging, etc.
• maintaining an existing IV but with no IV initiated
• a minimal to moderate use of supplies
• These are emergency calls we routinely handle.

ALS 1 (non-emergency)

Response for a patient who is treated /transported and requires:

• an ALS assessment or ALS skills such as IV initiation, cardiac monitoring, blood draws, BGL checks, or up to two (2) drugs administered
• minimal to moderate use of supplies
• These are mostly non-emergency "transport" calls between facilities that require an ALS assessment and/or the use of ALS procedures that are above the scope of BLS care.
• We rarely handles these types of calls and do so only in defined critical situations.

ALS 1 (emergency)

Emergency response for a patient who is treated / transported to a hospital and requires:

• an ALS assessment or ALS skills such as IV initiation, cardiac monitoring, blood draws, BGL checks, or up to two (2) drugs administered
• minimal to moderate use of supplies
• These are emergency calls are primarily patients suffering from seizure, diabetic emergencies, breathing problems, auto accidents, etc.
• We routinely handle these emergency calls.

ALS 2

Emergency response for a patient who is treated / transported to a hospital and requires:

• an ALS assessment or ALS skills plus three (3) or more separate drug administrations and/or the use of any one of the following:
• Manual defibrillation
• Cardio-version
• Cardiac pacing
• Endotracheal intubation
• Chest decompression
• Intraosseous line
• maximum use of supplies
• These emergency calls are primarily patients in cardiac or respiratory arrest, shock, or critical trauma patients.
• We routinely handle these emergency calls.

Treatment-No Transport

Response to calls where "treatment" was performed but no transport to a medical facility took place. Treatment is described as providing oxygen administration, splinting, bandaging, applying hot or cold compresses, IV fluid administration, etc.

No one will ever be denied Fire Rescue ambulance service based on ability to pay or lack of health insurance.

If anyone needs emergency assistance, they should call 9-1-1 without hesitation.
Our firefighters / EMTs and Paramedics have been given the best possible equipment and training to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island

Pay my Ambulance Bill

Questions?