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Debate over air ambulance gets heated in Fla.

By Ryan McCarthy
Florida Keys Keynoter

MARATHON, Fla — The Monroe County Commission postponed voting on a controversial hospital transfer resolution Wednesday after vehement opposition from medical professionals up and down the Keys.

The resolution would make it a requirement for all Keys residents to be made aware of their right to use TraumaStar, a taxpayer-funded air ambulance service, for hospital transfers. The county and Sheriff’s Office jointly operate it.

TraumaStar is free of charge outside what insurance providers reimburse — if anything. But County Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro says most people are unaware and he wants to require hospitals inform all patients of the option.

Full Story: Debate over air ambulance gets heated