By FireRescue1 Staff
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — A fire department is considering changing their policy on a patient’s hospital choice in an effort to reduce transport times.
WPDE reported that Horry County Fire Rescue’s current policy allows patients to pick which hospital they would like to be transported to in an ambulance, but Chief Joseph Tanner said it often results in a “long ride” that could take ambulances away from other emergencies.
Chief Tanner suggested that patients instead be transported to the “most appropriate” hospital, which is how life-threatening emergencies are handled at bigger events.
HCFR spokesperson Mark Nugent said the switch could greatly impact operations.
“It isn’t a big issue, but one that if it does happen, it causes a ripple effect,” Nugent said. “Either way, we want to provide the best service they can get.”