By Charlene Belew
The Duncan Banner, Okla.
DUNCAN, Okla. — A unanimous vote from Duncan City Council during the regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting increased billing rates and wages for American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulance Service.
The rate increase will go toward AMR Ambulance Service EMT’s and paramedics. AMR is currently under contract with Duncan Regional Hospital (DRH) to serve as the sole service ambulance provider for the City of Duncan.
Julie Pennypacker, Director of Critical Care at DRH and chair of the EMS Board, said the increase appears on billing rates.
“I want to clarify the rate increase is actually a billing rate increase that will be for anyone who requires the services of emergency transport through the 911 system or also from a facility to another facility,” Pennypacker said.
Records show the Emergency Medical Services Board recommended City Council approve the rate increases for EMT’s and paramedics to rates competitive with nearby cities. The last approved rate increase for EMT’s and paramedics before this was in 2011.
City data shows a comparative analysis between AMR’s current rates in Duncan and other ambulance services, such as Kirks Ambulance, Comanche County Hospital, Chickasha Fire EMS and Southern OK Ambulance.
The increases will put Duncan on par with other surrounding services though some areas would remain cheaper. Aid calls and lift assists will not increase and will remain at $75. Mileage, however, will increase from $11.59 to $14.50.
“By increasing the rate, it will allow AMR to be more competitive with wages and salaries which will help recruit and retain employees to this area,” Pennypacker said. “AMR has agreed to increase wages and salaries by 10 percent for all levels of providers in their EMS system, which is paramedics, advanced and basics.”
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©2019 The Duncan Banner (Duncan, Okla.)