Frequently Asked Questions

General knowledge:

What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

Initial EMS training begins at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level. Once licensed by the State of Missouri as an EMT, you may then proceed to the Paramedic Level of training. The EMT level of training is where emergency medical “basics” are learned, applied and practiced. An EMT can administer oxygen and secure a patient airway, and defibrillate (“shock”) using an A.E.D. (automated external defibrillator).

A Paramedic can start IVs, intubate (put a breathing tube into the trachea or windpipe), interpret EKGs and administer life-saving medications.

Why is Ambulance spelled backwards on the front of the ambulance?

“Ambulance” is printed backwards on the front of an ambulance so that when approaching a vehicle from behind, drivers see the word “AMBULANCE” in their mirror in the correct form.

How do EMTs and Paramedics become licensed?

EMTs and Paramedics are licensed by the State of Missouri. Both must first attend an EMT course and then the Paramedic course follows usually after the EMT has worked in the field to gain experience. Both courses are offered locally at the Cape Girardeau and Sikeston Career and Technology Centers. Both EMTs and Paramedics must complete a minimum number of CEUs (continuing education credits) every five years. An EMT-P must complete 144 hours of CEUs every five years and EMTs 100 hours respectively. In addition, Paramedics must maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications every two years. Both must maintain current CPR certification at all times. North Scott County Ambulance District strives to ensure that our staff accomplishes these requirements by utilizing a training program that allows personnel to attend courses required for re-licensure.

How do I become an EMT or a Paramedic?

Most Career and Technology Centers (Vo-Tech) and some Community Colleges offer both courses. Contact the appropriate entity in your area for information regarding when and where the classes are offered. Check out our Links page for Southeast Missouri area schools that offer the courses.

What does ALS stand for?

ALS stands for Advanced Life Support. In the event of a medical emergency, advanced airway, intravenous access, and medications may be utilized. Paramedics administer ALS procedures.

What area does the district cover?

North Scott County Ambulance District covers the northern half of Scott County.

How many calls does the district respond to annually?

The District responded to:

1,945 calls in 2011

1,920 calls in 2012

Who is working for the district?

The District employs an Administrator and 9 full-time employees. Approximately 20 part-time employees and 2 administrative personnel. The District is governed by a Board of six elected officials.

What type of vehicles does the district own?

The fleet currently consists of 5 ambulances, a Suburban and a converted Bus:

1-2012 F-450 Ford Type I / Braun Liberty Ambulance

1-2008 G-3500 Chevrolet Lifestar / Braun Ambulance

1-2006 C-4500 Chevrolet AEV Trauma Hawk Ambulance.

1-2003 Ford E350 Braun Ambulance

1-1999 Ford E450 Braun Ambulance

1-2005 Chevy Suburban (administrative staff vehicle)

1-1989 Bluebird Bus (Support and MCI Vehicle)

What type of equipment is in the ambulance?

The ambulances are equipped similar to that of an emergency room with advanced life support medications and equipment. Each ambulance is also equipped to treat both adult and pediatric patients for trauma and medical emergencies.

What does it cost to hire a full-time Paramedic?

To hire one full-time Paramedic it costs approximately $45,000. This includes pre-employment testing, training, orientation, uniforms, insurance benefits and the first year salary.

What other services does the district offer, other than EMS?

The district offers many services to the community such as:

CPR classes
Blood pressure checks and monitoring
School career day participation
EMS on-site standby for community events
Educational training site for EMS and health career students
Disaster drills and crash simulations

Billing related questions:

Why did I get a bill? I thought I paid taxes for the ambulance.

There are 2 reasons the district must charge for services

1. As a contractual provider for Medicare and Medicaid, the district must agree to accept allowable, reasonable and customary fees from these providers and submit charges for any remaining balance. Discounting of charges is not allowable for non-insured, government, private or commercial insurance providers.

2. Monies received from taxes represent only 55% of the annual budget; therefore charges for services are required to continually provide Advanced Life Support EMS.

Does the ambulance district charge for services when a patient is not transported?

Under most circumstances there is no charge for services when a patient is not transported to a medical facility. If significant treatment is administered prior to a no transport you may receive a bill, usually payable by insurance, to recoup the cost of the supplies used. In the event that air medical transport by a helicopter is utilized, a charge for services is applied to recoup the cost of equipment utilized in the care of a patient prior to air ambulance arrival.

I received a statement in the mail. Is this the amount I owe? What if my insurance does not pay?

Review your statement carefully. Statements are sent out monthly to keep you informed of your account status. It may be possible that the amount shown does not reflect a payment due; it may be that we are awaiting payment by your insurance carrier. If you have any questions at all, contact an account specialist to review the status of your account. Sometimes there may be a simple error and we need to confirm the accuracy of your information. It is best to contact us as soon as possible with any concerns, as your insurance submissions are time sensitive and the quicker we can clear up any information the better. If your insurance does not pay, simply contact our administrative staff to review payment options offered by the district.

Do you accept credit cards for payment? Can I pay my bill online?

The North Scott County Ambulance District does not currently accept credit cards as a method of acceptable payment, nor are we able to accept online payments through our website.

What if I can’t pay my bill?

North Scott County Ambulance District is very willing to make payment arrangements with any party faced with an outstanding bill. Patients, their families or representatives are able to contact the billing office during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The District strives to aid patients and families by accepting modest payments on a monthly basis. This enables all involved to successfully handle the unexpected burden an injury or illness can create. It is our goal to work with all of the patients we serve and avoid the need for advanced debt collection.

Technical questions:

Why couldn’t my father be taken to the hospital of his choice?

North Scott County Ambulance District makes every effort to take patients to a hospital of their choice. However, in the instance of a life-threatening emergency, the closest and most appropriate hospital may be necessary for stabilization. Or, in some situations, a specialized treatment may only be available at a certain facility. There are also occasions when a hospital may be unable to accept patients due to overcrowding. Long distant transfers out of the area, such as St. Louis, are possible but must be pre-arranged through our office by the patients family or the hospital staff.

Why was ARCH helicopter used when I am an Air-Evac member?

North Scott County Ambulance District is not affiliated with any air ambulance service. Our Paramedics and EMTs utilize the closest air ambulance for transport. Air ambulances are utilized in serious life-threatening instances and time is the ultimate decision-making factor in choosing an air ambulance service.

I live close to an ambulance building. Should I drive to the building if I need emergency care?

The EMS system is in place to assure that you receive emergency medical assistance at any location, quickly and efficiently. It is not a good idea to be driving around in an emergency situation possibly endangering your own life or the lives of others. In an emergency, simply call 911 and let the system work for you. Appropriate emergency response unit(s) will be dispatched to your location immediately.

Occasionally, EMS crews may be away from their station on an emergency call, attending training, or familiarizing themselves with the district as a part of our area familiarization program. Use 911 in an emergency. If the nature of your visit is non-emergency, for instance; getting a routine blood pressure check, you may come to the station. If the EMS crew is out, you can check back in an hour or so for the unit to return to their station.