Ambulances start charging extra for obese patients
October 24th, 2009
Everyone knows sugar addiction and obesity is costing Americans billions, but every time that statement is made, it refers to the general population. Well, according to the Associated Press, obese people are starting to experience the real cost of their condition in dollars and cents.
“As the nation battles the obesity crisis, ambulance crews are trying to improve how they transport extremely heavy patients, who become significantly more difficult to move as they surpass 350 pounds. And caring for such patients is expensive, requiring costly equipment and extra workers, so some ambulance companies have started charging higher fees for especially overweight people.”
It can apparently cost up to two and a half times as much to transport obese patients. Between the additional workers involved and all of the expensive equipment (like the kind shown in the picture above), it adds up quick.
Joseph Nadglowski, president of the Obesity Action Coalition, pushes back saying, “Ambulance services are a critical public service and should accommodate the needs of all of those who require them at a fair cost.”
However, it just seems to make sense; if you cost more to move, who else should pay for it?
The rise in sales the kind of equipment needed mentioned is shocking, “…specialized lift systems nationwide are expected to reach $193 million by 2012, up from $75 million in 2004, according to EMS Insider, an industry newsletter. The sale of specialized stretchers is expected to nearly double to $50 million in 2012.”
So, by losing weight, you will not only greatly reduce your risk of caner, diabetes, and heart disease, but you will also save yourself some cash if you have to take an emergency trip to the hospital.
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