Ask the Mayor: Paramedics/EMS Charge

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions.

Q: Is there a charge if paramedics/EMS are dispatched to evaluate someone, but the patient is not transported? I am inquiring as I’ve heard from many people that they don’t want to call 911 because they feel they will be charged. I am hoping you can help answer this question and reassure people.

A: Aloha and thank you for your question. I asked my staff to research this question with the
help of our Maui Police Department, and they were told by our Maui American Medical
Response that there is no charge if the patient is evaluated in the field and NOT transported.
Our residents and visitors should not feel discouraged to call 911, but should only call in
emergency situations. I would also like to ask everyone to keep the families of those affected by
last month’s tragedy in Honolulu in your thoughts and prayers. Hawaii has some of the bravest
and finest first responders in the entire country, and we lift up the men and women serving in
the Honolulu Police Department.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.

AMR Rapid Response Unit Paramedics. Danh Richardson (L), David Kingdon (R) and Kapena Hill (lower right). Courtesy photo.