LONG CREEK, Ill. (WAND) — The Long Creek Fire Protection District is expanding its services to include emergency medical services (EMS) within the district.
Due to what they describe as a "catastrophic failure" of the current EMS provider for Decatur and Macon County, the district will be staffing a paramedic transport unit. This new service is scheduled to begin responding to calls on January 1, 2025.
The fire protection district has committed to staffing an Advanced Life Support transport unit. They said they are doing this in response to an "urgent need to provide adequate medical care to our district residents."
To help offset some of the costs, the LCFPD said they have entered into an administrative agreement with EMS/MC to bill for medical response and transport services provided by the ambulances unit.
They announced that the account billing will include a 10% discount for residents. Additionally, they committed to not "balance bill" any residents for costs that are not covered by the patient's insurance or other payer plans for at least the first year.
LCFPD said this is all due alarming instances of inadequate staffing causing severe delays in response times.Â
"Unfortunately, the mismanagement of community emergency medical response has created a situation requiring immediate action. We look forward to partnering with our local colleagues at the Village and Township of Mt. Zion, Village of Bethany, and other surrounding locales to ensure adequate emergency response for all our community members."
The fire protection district urges people to investigate the concerns relating to the current ambulatory service provided in Macon County.Adding, "We hope our proactive measures will prevent future incidents in our district."
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