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0 pointsjopsen8y ago0 comments

Free ambulances are always going to come with the problem of abuse, followed by a reluctance to send an ambulance.

Resulting in news stories of how some people call of help and don't get any. But these stories are rare, it's seem better than letting poor people die.

This said, we probably should add a tiny ambulance fee ($50), and apply a fine for inappropriate use.

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dazc8y ago

'This said, we probably should add a tiny ambulance fee ($50), and apply a fine for inappropriate use.'

I agree although reclaiming this fee from those who abuse the system is likely to prove difficult?

I can remember a time in the UK when ambulance and, IIRC, fire service would bill you after the event for attendance.

Not sure if this was every case or just where they deemed it appropriate? But, I do remember, it was common knowledge there was no penalty or follow-up if you didn't pay.

jopsenOP8y ago

> I agree although reclaiming this fee from those who abuse the system is likely to prove difficult?

You assume everybody that abuses free services are broke. We need data to tell whether that's the case. I would assume that a significant portion of the abusers mostly just lack manners.

Anyways, the point isn't to kick the ones who are down (poor). It's only to limit abuse... But first maybe it should be assessed of abuse is a problem.

And maybe, having a deal with taxi company is a better solution...

paulie_a8y ago

The fire department has started billing farmers in my area for burning their fields on high wind days

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