Calling 911 for a medical emergency can be stressful for the patient, the family members or the bystanders who want to help during a chaotic time. While there are occasions when calling 911 is the right call to make—such as a fall that leaves someone unconscious, an overdose of prescription medications or illicit substances, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing— there are times when it might not be so obvious. Granby Ambulance Association is to here to reassure you that if you are in doubt—make the call!
Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) provides 24/7 emergency medical services (EMS) coverage to East Granby, East Hartland, and Granby with basic and advanced prehospital care. Allow our teams of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to assess and begin treatment as soon as possible in your home, on the street, on a hiking trail or at a local business when the emergency occurs.
Our EMS teams can provide care to help reduce pain, quell nausea, ease breathing and stabilize injuries. They can be reassuring, calming and helpful about your questions and give you peace of mind when you need it most.
People assume that when an ambulance arrives, it results in an automatic ride to the hospital. While many patients who receive initial prehospital care will also need to transport to the hospital, GAA may provide treatment on scene when there is no need to transport to the hospital.
During the assessment process, EMS team members will use the best information available at the time to assist the patient or family in making a transport decision. Our medical teams will evaluate the medical complaint, the medical history, and the medications the patient is taking, the results of on-scene vital signs and physical screenings, and much more.
When a patient or family chooses not to go to the hospital in the ambulance, the team will have a conversation about the risks of refusing and the benefit of receiving additional care. Ultimately, GAA teams will obtain a signed release of liability from the patient or family that declines further care and transport by GAA.
Beginning in January 2022, when a patient receives treatment without transport to the hospital, GAA will bill health insurance providers for basic and advanced life support care rendered as applicable by state regulation. Patients will never be turned down for care based on their insurance status or ability to pay. Our field teams will not ask for insurance provider information until the non-transport decision is finalized. Not all non-transport emergencies can be billed. Specific medical assessments and treatments must be performed to apply for insurance invoicing. Rates of insurance reimbursement are set by the State of Connecticut, not individual agencies, and are covered by many health insurance providers. Patients who have difficulty with a GAA invoice have payment options available through our insurance billing agency.
GAA wants to continue to be there when you “make the call” for medical emergencies in our communities. No matter the severity of the call, if it’s a ride to the hospital or a simple house call, our team looks forward to supporting you in your time of need. We hope that the rapidly approaching holiday season is healthy, happy, and safe for all!