By Leila Merrill
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg EMS has partnered with rideshare services to provide patients with non-emergency issues transportation to hospitals, WCNC reported.
As they cope with a staff shortage, agency officials announced a plan to cover the cost of Uber and Lyft rides for patients who do not need the care of an EMS provider.
“When you hit the nurse triage line and you answer those questions, and they say, ‘Ah, the only thing this person needs is transport to an emergency department’,” said Deputy Director Jonathan Studnek with Mecklenburg EMS. “Then we’ll offer you a Lyft so you can get there.”
Studnek said that since the partnership launched on Oct. 1, more than 100 patietns have been successful transported via rideshare partners. However, he said many patients have refused the option.
He cited the cost difference as the reason.
“Standard [ambulance] rate is about $1,000,” Studnek said. “A Lyft, on the other hand, in our experience with the program so far, is about $16 to transport.”
In recent days, Mecklenburg EMS officials have also asked for government help in meeting thge needs of the community, requesting 25 ambulances and 50 emergency personnel from FEMA.