A bariatric fee increase is an approach to offset the additional cost and resources needed for massive patients.

In Shawnee County, AMR increased their rates from $629 to $1172 (with a per mile increase of $11.09 to $16) for patients over 350 pounds.


A transport increase helps offset the equipment expenses of an agency that has larger ambulances (and appropriate shocks) with the necessary equipment and personnel to safely move and transport a severely obese patient.

CNN Health via KTKA

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Senator Chris Dodd have proposed a tax credit to volunteer firefighters and emergency service crews.

If enacted, the proposal would provide a $1,000 federal tax credit to individuals who are active members of volunteer fire departments and emergency service crews to reward these brave men and women who risk their lives for little or no compensation.

This proposal is focused on maintaining current staffing levels of career and volunteer crews and rewarding the emergency service individuals who volunteer their precious time.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, “front-line” firefighters available in their communities. However, the grant can only be used to hire new, paid firefighters.

Under the Dodd legislation, which Schumer is cosponsoring, fire departments receiving a SAFER grant in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 would be eligible for waivers that would allow the grants to be used towards preventing lay-offs and rehiring positions that were cut due to local fiscal woes.

Senator Schumer is also introducing legislation to provide a tax credit of $1,000 for volunteer firefighters that would serve as an important recruitment tool for local groups to boost enrollment numbers. Most importantly, it is a way for the Federal government to express the country’s enormous gratitude for the sacrifices they voluntarily make each day. Senator Dodd will be an original co-sponsor of Schumer’s legislation.


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