The fire department has recently launched a subcription service that covers patients’ portions of the cost of hospital transports in non-life threatening medical emergencies.

The service, called YourCall, is patterned after Airlift Northwest’s AirCare, the membership progam that covers the cost — beyond what insurance covers — of emergency helicopter transports. Similarly, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s program covers the after-insurance cost when emergency medical techicians (EMTs) take patients to nearby hospitals.

When fire commissioners voted last summer to begin charging for hospital transports, district leaders said they would offer this type of program, which they rolled out quietly in December.

Chief Charlie Krimmert said he recommends that islanders review their emergency transport insurance benefits and determine if YourCall is the right choice for them. If such transports are covered entirely or at a high rate, the service might not be the right choice financially. But if insurance covers only a small portion of the transports — or if someone in the household is transported frequently — he said islanders may wish to participate. He stressed that membership is voluntary and has no bearing on care. To area hospitals from Vashon, the department charges $700 plus mileage, about $1,000.

YourCall will not cover costs incurred if patients are tranported to the hospital via private ambulance. And if patients have a life-threatening emergency and are being transported by paramedics — not EMTs — there is no charge for the ambulance trip. The reason for this distinction, according King County Emergency Medical Services Director Michele Plourde, lies with taxes. Paramedic services — for life-threatening situations — receive considerably more funding through the county Emergency Medical Services Levy than do services for lesser emergencies. She noted that in King County, fire departments are funded primarily through property taxes and transport fees. She added that she is unaware of any other fire district offering a subscription service similar to what Vashon is offering.

The annual household cost for the YourCall service, from Memorial Day to Memorial Day, is $75. Currently, household memberships are being offered for $30; these will be effective until Memorial Day. A membership for summer residents is also available for $30 and covers Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Krimmert said that the fees from the amubulance transports, which he estimated to be $200,000 this year along with $50,000 from the YourCall program, will help the district financially and provide a stream of income beyond taxes. The funds will not be allocated for anything specificially, he said, but could help fund additional staff or help purchase a new aid car or fire engine.

He also ackowledged that the recent vote to increase property taxes and the decision to begin charging for transports is considerable change.

“I appreciate the sticker and cultural shock,” he said.

Krimmert said he welcomes questions from islanders, adding he is going to begin participating in First Friday Gallery Cruises to be more accessible to the community.

“I will be walking the streets in my uniform,” he said. “Anyone can ask me anything.”

For more information about YourCall, contact the station at 206-463-2405 or see vifr.org.