What to know about the New LifeCare Ambulance Service Contract

In May 2024, The City of Lorain reached the end of the 4-year agreement with LifeCare Ambulance, Inc. The EMS (Emergency Medical Service) through LifeCare has served the City of Lorain since 1977. Apart from the procurement standards, the City of Lorain issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find the best qualified service provider. As a result of the RFP process, one of the providers who responded was LifeCare, and the city decided to proceed after considering cost factors and their past performance in meeting the demands of the community.

At the beginning of July, the City of Lorain and LifeCare Ambulance, Inc. entered into an agreement following an extensive discussion and changes to the contract Lorain City Council unanimously accepted an agreement with the service provider on Monday, July 1, 2024.

The Term of the agreement is through to May 15, 2028, and is the first time LifeCare will be assessing a $126 fee to the City of Lorain for any calls which result in a non-transport of the patient to a nearby hospital. It was reported by LifeCare that in 2023 over 5,310 non-transport calls were made to 911 which equates to approximately $669,060 in services that LifeCare covered under the previous contract.

The city will be taking over the fee for non-transport services. If the contract is extended by the city beyond its original four-year term, the service will increase by 3% in 2029. The City of Lorain is not the only jurisdiction that is being charged fees for Emergency Medical Services. For the first time, LifeCare has decided to charge participating jurisdictions for non-transport services throughout the contract cycle.

The proposed $1.50-$2.00 monthly fee increase on the utility bill is one option the administration will discuss with City Council for consideration. This and any other option brought forward would be subject to public input and council approval.

Additional Information regarding LifeCare Ambulance, Inc.

LifeCare Ambulance, Inc. has been a provider of EMS services in the City of Lorain for over 38 years and serving municipalities throughout Lorain County. LifeCare has enjoyed a long history of service to Lorain and its residents. In 2019, LifeCare became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) employee-owned company. LifeCare Ambulance, Inc. provides comprehensive services in support of its EMS operations.

These services include the following:

• 24/7 dispatching services based at 640 Cleveland St. Elyria, OH 44035.
• Integration with Lorain County 911
• Participation in the 5-City Harris 700/800 Radio System in Lorain County
• Full-Service Information Technology
• Billing Services
• Human Resource services including backgrounds checks.
• In-house Training Academy and continuing education classes.
• Consortium Agreement with the Lorain County Community College.

Mutual Aid

LifeCare agrees to continue actively participating in the planning, training, and drills for disaster preparedness for the City of Lorain. In the event of a mass casualty incident in the city, LifeCare will work with the Fire Department and their partnering mutual aid resources in the Lorain County Mutual Aid group for Additional Fire and Emergency Services.

In conclusion, the shift in responsibility for non-transport fees will require careful financial planning and oversight from both the city and the service provider. It is crucial that both parties work together to ensure that costs are managed effectively to avoid any negative impact on the city's residents in the future. LifeCare's new contract will affect all cities with their new non-transport fees. It is important for the city to carefully review and negotiate these fees to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.

FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )

• What are the reasons to call 911?

These are the reasons to call 911, including but not limited to those refrenced by:

• Severe difficulty breathing, especially that does not improve with rest.
• Chest pain A fast heartbeat (more than 120-150) at rest, especially if associated with shortness of breath or feeling faint.
• You witness someone faint/pass out or someone is unresponsive/unconscious.
• Difficulty speaking, numbness, or weakness of any part of the body.
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or mental changes (confusion, very odd behavior, difficulty walking/standing)
• Sudden blindness or vision changes.
• Heavy bleeding from any body part that continues.
• Bleeding from any wound that will not stop with direct pressure.
• Broken bones visible through an open wound.
• Extremely hot or cold body temperature and the person appears ill or less responsive.
• Drowning/Near drowning
• Choking
• Severe burns (2nd and 3rd degree)
• Poisoning
• Drug overdose
• Sudden intense severe pain
• Someone makes a credible threat to hurt or kill themselves or someone else.
• Allergic reaction, especially if there is any difficulty breathing.
• Seizures that last over 5 minutes, person appears unusual or is injured.
• Any crime in progress (robbery, burglary, prowler, fights, etc.)
• Any type of fire (structure, vehicle, brush, etc.)
• A vehicle collision, especially if someone is injured.
• When you or the person you care for feels at risk.

• Who do I call for a non-emergency?

If you need help, but it is not an emergency, contact your doctor or seek assistance at an urgent care facility for medical issues. Most law enforcement agencies have non-emergency numbers you can call to report a crime. The City of Lorain's non-emergency number is, (440) 204-2100

For non-emergency resources and programs call “211”

• Who can you call for a ride other than Uber, Lyft or a taxi company?

Lorain County Transit, in partnership with Via Transportation, provides on-demand rideshare services operating only within the city limits of Lorain and Elyria.

• Services are available Monday-Friday
• 6:30am-6:30pm
• $2 Standard fee
• $1 Seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities.
• Veterans ride for free!

If you don’t have a smart phone, after July 15th, book a ride by calling (440) 901-5554

For More Information about Via Lorain County or to Download the App, scan the QR Code below with your smart device (camera) or by visiting https://city.ridewithvia.com/lorain.