Delaying the call to emergency services can be harmful. Kane Nixon, Arizona Fire & Medical Authority deputy chief of planning and public information officer, said anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
“We would always rather respond and find out everything is okay than have someone wait too long because they are worried it ‘could be nothing’ or are concerned about cost,” he said.
Nixon said AFMA officials do not charge district residents for a 911 response and crews will always respond, adding they will make house calls which do not cost money. A cost may incur if a transport to a hospital is needed after AFMA bills medical insurance for the ambulance transport. Then, the patient may receive a balance if insurance does not cover the full transport cost. However, Nixon said the initial emergency response itself is not billed by AFMA.
