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Published: Monday, Jul. 02, 2012 / Updated: Monday, Jul. 02, 2012 09:54 AM

York County needs to end dueling EMS services

A couple of days ago, my wife and I were driving on Highway 49 in Lake Wylie approaching the 274 interchange during the busy evening commute. A Lake Wylie EMS ambulance pulled across the road, with lights and sirens, and went on the wrong side of the road to circumvent traffic and make a left turn. A fire truck coming from the opposite direction also turned south. Another ambulance from Piedmont, coming from a completely different direction crossed the intersection and fell in line behind the Lake Wylie EMS ambulance. I am trying to understand why the county is allowing dueling ambulance services,

As I understand it, the Lake Wylie EMS will transport you and only take payment if you have insurance and then, only what insurance pays. The competing service from Piedmont will charge you for the transport and take you to Piedmont hospital unless you specify otherwise. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, they will demand payment.

At the height of our current fiscal issues, folks don’t need one more thing to worry about. I can’t understand how this system of duel ambulances helps Lake Wylie residents.

It has been a little less than three years since we had a home built here in Lake Wylie but it seems to me we have been well served by the Lake Wylie EMS service. They are not in it for the money but to serve the community. Neighbors helping neighbors!

“If it’s not broke, then don’t try to fix it” certainly applies here.

JACK VAN CUREN, Lake Wylie