IN Fire Chief Seeks EMS Service Fee Hike

Sept. 26 -- The city of Gary's administration is eyeing a hike in fees charged to people who use the city’s EMS services.

Gary Fire Chief Paul Bradley told the Gary City Council’s Finance Committee Tuesday night the increase would fall in line more with other Northwest Indiana communities.

The increase would help cover salaries for paramedics, equipment expenses and other costs.

“These fees will better sustain the services we provide,” Bradley said.

Under the proposed fee schedule, Gary residents in need of basic life support — cold, flus, and similar minor health issues — will be charged $575, while nonresidents will pay $675.

Advanced life support, such as allergic reactions, would cost $700 for residents and $800 for nonresidents, under the proposed ordinance.

Level 2 advanced life support, including serious car crashes or cardiac arrest, would cost $800 for residents and $900 for nonresidents.

Both nonresidents and residents would be subject to a mileage fee of $13 per mile when riding in an ambulance, he said.

Gary now charges $450 for basic life support; $575 for advanced; and $10 per mile, according to documents.

He said communities like Hobart, Portage and Crown Point increase their EMS fees by 3 percent every year. Under this ordinance, so would Gary.

Five ambulances are in service daily, and each respond to an average of 17 calls, Bradley said.

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