First Responders Concerned People Call Uber Instead of Ambulances

Calling ride sharing companies instead of ambulances might reduce medical costs, but first responders are concerned about the growing trend.

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FOX NEWS SALT LAKE CITY

By Kiersten Nunez

DAVIS COUNTY, Utah -- If you had a medical emergency, who would you call? Most would have a similar thought process: dial 911 and get an ambulance.

But there’s a growing trend where, instead of calling an ambulance, people are requesting an Uber or Lyft to take them to the hospital. Some riders say they would do it because of money.

A trip with a rideshare service to a hospital could easily cost less than 30 bucks. For an ambulance ride in Utah, that ranges from a few hundred dollars to $1,700.

“Cost is always a concern that’s true, but if it’s my family member I would sure hope you’d call the closest ambulance available,” said Mark Becraft, the Fire Chief for North Davis Fire District.

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