The Associated Press
ABERDEEN, S.D. - Plans by Aberdeen Fire and Rescue to resume long-distance transfer of patients is prompting some to complain that it is unfair for a public entity to offer a service that competes with private business.
Two years ago, Fire and Rescue stopped transporting patients long distances because of a lack of paramedics. Now, the department has beefed up its paramedic staff and is ready to again offer out-of-town transfers, Fire Chief Bill Winter said.
The unit has 20 paramedics on staff and six or seven on each 24-hour shift, Winter said.
But Dan Mielke, co-owner of Aberdeen Ambulance Service, wonders what impact the change will have on his business.
Full Story: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/11/13/news/state/state06.txt