San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 3.72 User Fees for Emergency Medical Services

The Fire Suppression Division of the City Fire Department, when called upon by citizens of the community, shall respond to emergency medical incidents and render emergency medical care and lifesaving measures in accordance with the emergency medical standards established by the county health officer.

(Ord. MC-760, passed 11-27-1990)

(A) Any person receiving emergency medical services of the city shall be charged a user fee, as established by resolution of the Mayor and City Council.

(B) User fees shall be charges designed to recover costs associated with the delivery of paramedic services, and shall be in two tiers:

(1) Emergencies requiring basic life support services by City Fire Department paramedics or emergency medical technicians; and

(2) Emergencies requiring advanced life support services by City Fire Department paramedics.

(C) A voluntary “membership fee” shall be offered to residents of the city for the purpose of assuring members that the membership prepays any insurance deductible for City Fire Department emergency medical services.

(D) Residents participating in the voluntary membership fee program shall provide to the city information to enable the city to file claims against their insurance providers, if any, for the user fees. Any payment made by a member’s insurance provider shall be deemed payment in full, and the member shall incur no further direct personal liability for said user fees.

(E) A charge for delinquent payment of fees for services is authorized, to be set by resolution of the Mayor and City Council.

(F) Verification of membership and/or ability to pay shall not occur at the scene of any emergency.

(G) No emergency medical services shall be denied or delayed to anyone on the basis of inability to pay or to provide evidence of membership.

(Ord. MC-760, passed 11-27-1990)