codbecod
230303
5855
104
Oct 6, 2017 8:56 AM
codbecod
230303
5855
104
bunnypoppop2
Social anxiety level 1000
talklikewalken
Shot through the heart, a nail's to blame. You give ambulance drivers, a bad name.
HelloThisIsIT
Zixtank
Probably cheaper as well, concerning American ambulance prices...
Sarcasticorjustanarse
Metal
Mentalfloss249
Whoever took the tape measure picture is unaware how measuring works...
ratfaceddog
Yeah, where's the banana?
DidIDoAGoodJobWithThisUsername
He must have a screw loose to think that was a good idea. Could have been the final nail in his coffin.
RackhamTheRed
nailed it
HuneySofa
WITH A HAMMER
bigdog1983
PigsCanJump
CliffWestern
This is the most midwestern thing I've seen today
Tinkrr
Men, we just want to be left alone.
stm1969
I hate to be that guy.. but if that nail was 3 inches and what looks to be 2 inches sticking out, another inch is not close the heart.
stm1969
18 years of doing Computed Tomography (Cat Scan) Chest exams and lung biopsies has taught me this..
limenode
A Wisconsin man?? Go on...
handbanana10
man nails cheating medical billing system "i dont like paying $1700 for an ambulance" says man w/nail in chest.
TheMiseryOfOthersMakesMeHappy
Doesn't appear to be in his heart at all, doesn't even appear to have even hit any internal organ.
RegrettableDecisions
This is such a Wisconsin thing for him to do. I bet he lived in the North Woods.
LemonStarbursts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhzO6GEfarg my brother covered this in his Manitowoc Minute series haha
DonQuixotic
charlie behrens is your brother?
LemonStarbursts
Yep! My second oldest bro
Sociallyawkwardbutsometimesfunny
Your brother is a dick
GingeraffeTW
Yes from Merinette.
Sociallyawkwardbutsometimesfunny
Marinette*
RegrettableDecisions
I figured as much. That's such a North Woods thing to do.
uponstrangeshores
When he got to surgery the doctors probably had to insist that he let them do the surgery.
HolyShitZoom
It's getting like that in UK as well. Grannies who are scared gets police /ambulance turning up in 4mins. I drive a rake in my foot - >
HolyShitZoom
-> get told a take a taxi to AnE as it's a 2hr waiting for ambulance. Can't wait for our shitty NHS to get privatised.
Clopay
Private healthcare is good. It's the constant govt intervention that ruins it.
Clopay
Literally the reason anything is cheap is free market competition. Lower price = more business. No competition = price gouge
Clopay
And of course you don't compete w/ govt
HolyShitZoom
Money I'm paying for national insurance, I'd rather go private. Atleast I'd get competent doctors and seen to in a hospital before sunrise.
BrayerIncognito
What next? US style health insurance? Privatisation won't stop old dears calling 999 for a runny nose and clogging up the service.
HolyShitZoom
I'm already paying 4 figures in tax & NI. I'd happily never use NHS and just go private insurance but I'm FORCED to pay yet get shit service
HolyShitZoom
GPs in my locale know fuck all, hospitals that's are a money blackhole, why the fuck am I paying for this crippled system?
uhave2callmeNightHawk
This is my fellow Wisconsinite...which means he was drunk before and after
PenicilliumCamemberti
And probably during, how do you even get a nail to that place?
uhave2callmeNightHawk
Alcohol that's how
meapplejak
I don't see any booze leaking from his hole.
ecidemon
I though it was funny he said "other than having too much iron in my diet I was fine"
GingeraffeTW
Nope, totally sober before, but he definitely earned it afterward.
limenode
Oh yah you betcha der, keep'r movin'!
uhave2callmeNightHawk
Let's get these head lines done real quick. Man shoots himself in heart with nail gun and drives himself to hospital
uhave2callmeNightHawk
Real quick once*
iceblasterwi
Fuck yeah buddy
WithNothingBetterToDo
are hospitals private businesses in the u.s? is there like a board of directors and a ceo getting payed millions by people literally dying?
12rt2345g342563
Yes.
BrayerIncognito
Them and the health insurers, drug companies etc.
GingeraffeTW
That's my gfs uncle!
iceblasterwi
From that area then?
GingeraffeTW
Merinette.
iceblasterwi
Menekaunee mafia
samreeLord
Need more on it.
lickthismiff
What a great county, where someone with a nail in their chest has to brush off urgent medical care because of the outrageous cost.
idkwhatimdoin
This would be me lol
FreeMoCo2009
Sounds like something I would do, oi
propyro
I'm a paramedic in rural Canada. I've had people pretty damn close to deaths door not wanting to bother anyone, I'm usually there 1/2
propyro
Because their family is worried and they just want to drive themselves in the morning. Tl;dr, old school farmers are tough as nails. 2/2
Affray
1)A while back my mom had a random panic attack because of life and stuff and thought she was having a heart attack. An ambulance was called
Affray
2)and when the paramedics were done giving her their once over they decided that she wasn't having a heart attack but should go to the
Affray
3)hospital to figure out exactly what happened. She said "It's fine. I'll drive myself, you guys can go save people with real problems.".
Affray
4)I had to explain to her that what happened was a "real problem" and was exactly why paramedics existed.
Jayhatesspidersandshit
If he was American it would be because he couldn't afford an ambulance
infiniteblurs
Or he’s just a stubborn jack ass that didn’t think he needed the hospital, but his wife did, so he drove himself just to shut her up.
SirToxe
They even have to pay for the ambulance? What kind of backwards garbage country is that? Geeez.
Mayonnaiseisainstrument
Capitalist USA
EitherImRightOrYoureWrong
I tboned a car on my motorcycle (car pulled out in front of me) and I got a ride to my truck then drove myself to the ER.
EdwardStarsmith
My cousin was on a bike, got tboned by a car. Broken leg and all, he got up, climbed into her car, and made her drive to the hospital.
EitherImRightOrYoureWrong
Got damn
immortalbucket
Most Americans never pay ambulance bills. It's written off to the tax payer.
professionalwindowlicker
It really depends on where ya live. In some states the government run ambulances are free
demsalmonmeats
In the city i'm at a ambulance ride is $850. I drive that sucker and most people just don't pay the bill.
Robodoggo
Where are these magical states?
uponstrangeshores
Yeah fortunately for him he lives in the great, free, and wholly independent, republic of Wisconsin.
NihonJinLover
Step aside Florida man, it’s WISCONSIN MANNNNN (in Trojan man theme)
SplicketyLit
This makes me think of cans of EZ Cheeze lining the shelves in the ER and being used for wound closure.
Jayhatesspidersandshit
Didn't read the bottom. So he did it to save money
uponstrangeshores
Nope, just socially awkward. Rather drive himself than ask anyone for anything.
Madhouse5213
r/2meirl4meirl
StrangelySexee
My brother woke up after a dirtbike accident to his friends talking about calling 911, he sat up and was like "Nope! Can't afford that shit!
shhep
This is horrifying
meangirlx
Yup badass yup dumbass
Idiotcommentsforidiotpeopleaboutidiottasksonidiotthreadidiot
Badasses normally === dumbass
GingeraffeTW
Actually, he's a really nice guy. He didn't want to inconvenience anybody else.
surlyoldman
Or a hardworking individual who had the misfortune to be in path of an errant framing nail. But that's none of my business.
Sveniat
I think the dumbass part is because driving in that condition might get someone else hurt if he passes out or something
Thatguythatknowsbetter
The two often coincide
TheRealHS
But the nail isn't in his heart. Is it even in his lung? Doesn't look like it at the angle, just a flesh wound?
schefff
It's possible that the nail is in his heart. It's depends on his heart size. If you search for thorax topography you can judge for yourself
macmacmac29
There is an article somewhere about this. It was in fact in his heart
youjackass
It's possible it's just an attention grabbing head line.
darksamus8
It's likely in the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart) but not embedded in the heart itself.
CarmenG3522
Click bait title! Definitely says with articles that is was just touching the heart. Not in it!
FreeBreastReductionConsultation
Tis but a scratch
WarthogFrank
He can still fight
DickDastardly404
the angle and the length could be in his heart. The heart is actually central, it is only thought to be on the left of the body due to 1/2
DickDastardly404
the larger left atrium and ventricle, which put its centre of mass SLIGHTLY to the left of centre. Nothing makes me cringe more than 1.5/2
DickDastardly404
someone in a movie or tv show or whatever getting shot or stabbed in the heart and the wound being all the way in the middle of the 1.75/2
DickDastardly404
left pec. That's a lung. The heart is at the bottom of your solar plexus between your lungs and titties. 2/2
711isAnInsideJob
Here: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/16/543697015/aw-shoot-wisconsin-man-accidentally-fires-nail-gun-into-heart-but-hes-fine
orangesubmarine
"Then he looked and saw the nail pulsing with his heartbeat. 'It's kind of like, I'm not going to get anything done today, /2...
orangesubmarine
...I can see that already.'" Maybe the best quote of the article. Thanks for the sauce!
Sociallyawkwardbutsometimesfunny
This is my uncle. It actually was in his heart. It was a mm from hitting a major artery and causing which would have caused him to bleed out
GingeraffeTW
It just barely grazed his heart, he called my gfs dad and told him what happened and said he was already driving himself in.
viking272
What actually happened to get it there?
Sociallyawkwardbutsometimesfunny
(My uncle) he was working in building his house. Nail gun double fired and ricocheted and hit him.
[deleted]
[deleted]
TheRealHS
But it isn't.
SmokingGandalf
Did this person talk about a certain someone?
CometLaHal
depending on what you're doing nails that thicc can go up to six inches
[deleted]
[deleted]
Sherlock89
The heart starts much higher. But would still be directly under the nail.
cavymeister
Pretty significantly deeper as well
Sherlock89
Not really. The apex of the heart is right along the chest wall.
BigAdam
Yeah, but that doesn't get any many clicks.
lambergini
the heart is pretty big, the nail could well have pierced it. the angle is right too.
DreadPierateRoberts
Yerp
CarmenG3522
Would have to have been a long nail and bent in the right angle. They would have it stabilized more if actually in his heart.
catapulter
3.5''
Sherlock89
It's directly overlaying the heart in the picture. No need for it to be longer than an inch or two.
CarmenG3522
Multiple news articles state it was not actually in his heart but just touching it. The heart is more central than most think.
Sherlock89
Right... But in the picture it's above his heart. Don't think I qualify as most here. That MD hanging on my wall changed that.
Incasniin
i think in the picture it had already been pulled out most of the way
Storm48
tsrivishnu
"I'm not going to get anything done today." Holy fuck
Storm48
Dude that's the best part! Like he was going to just ignore it but begrudgingly had to go because he wasn't going to get anything else done.
Cernunnon
It could well be in his heart. Left sternal edge, 4th and 5th intercostal spaces there is no covering lung over the heart. With a nail 1
RonPaulWasAnInsideJob
"Sternal edge" "intercostal" ...found the medical professional in the wild.
GoatMittens
The nail looks a touch too low by eye, but there is variation so it is possibly in the right area. Plus the heart hangs lower in tall guys.
Cernunnon
that's at least 3 inches long it could well have pierced his pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart if not the muscle of the heart too 2
LegHavinAssLandBitch
Sauce? Or is those facts just ggogle?
cassaroll
That checks out. Sauce: Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th edition, ed. Taylor, Lillis, & Lynne; notes from nursing school, (1/2)
cassaroll
Human Anatomy and Physiology, 10th edition, ed. Hoehn, Marieb
ThatOneFriendWhoTriesTooHard
That is specific. Well done.
InDubiousBattle
Easiest game of "spot the medical professional"
docj84
Morgan Freeman “he’s right you know” gif
usersubbordercontrol
JeSuisBaguette
thank you medical side of tumblr
JeSuisBaguette
i mean imgur
MillennialsRuinEverything
Where are we, Reddit?
SmashinLuv
Your explanation has both fascinated and appalled me all at the same time. Good show.
Sherlock89
Thank you.
shedooooooooo
But do you concur?
livingdreamist
Steve nod and point.
DrDoALittleMoreThanBareMinimum
By the looks of it, I doubt it even breached the pleural cavity that bad... one inch will just make it past the rib cage
lionsilverwolf
"Dr. Alexander Roitstein confirmed the nail hit Bergeson's heart, saying it was also 1/16 of an inch from a major artery."
likehelly
3 inches long with 2 3/4ths not in him.
fadecomic
Just like my prom night.
TheMexicanStaringFrog0fSouthernSriLanka
Yea what he said
loveplusultra
what's up, doc
Rantaf
I’ve never thought about it, but there is a sack around the heart? TIL.
cklepper
This guy doctors.
MetaSomma
Or is a very good assassin
Mechwarrior719
Or autopsies. Which would... Still make him a doctor.
BrobiwanKenobro
arent morticians just failed necromancers though? Or an amazing hidden necromancer society *looks at keanu reeves*
c0smicj0ker
Yes but like two inches are sticking out. I'de be surprised if it even fully punctured the pericardium.
c0smicj0ker
Also if he went alone who took this picture? If it really was in his heart what medical professional is like... "wait let me take a photo"
insanitywolfismysaneside
My favorite most ironic cause of death, cardiac tamponade
PoppinLochNessHopster
You can see in the pic that it's only 1 inch in.
wizdum
Saved himself like $1k in ambulance bills.
demsalmonmeats
I'm a paramedic/firefighter in a busy city. This man is my hero!
KonaDarbles
Murica'
GemsAreOutrageousTrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous
1k? When my dad had a stroke, they sent a bill for over 1.5K for the ambulance ride.
HolzKohlen
Cause health care is for commies. Oh America
handbanana10
man nails cheating medical billing system "i dont like paying $1700 for an ambulance" says man w/nail in chest.
PropainAndPropainAccesories
Lmao only 1k? My friend had a stroke and got charged 5k...for a 6 mile drive.
MedrengardMax
Not in fun countries it doesn't
Imalwaysready
We had to call an ambulance recently & it was like $1500 b/c it was billed "out of network." How is that even a thing? FUCK U.S. healthcare.
Infamouse
5k last year where im at
B99Reactions
Ambulances are free in this third world country I live in. Sometimes I wonder if those things have meaning anymore
SexualConsent
Which country?
Seminole4ever
He could have saved 15% with Geico.
NuMsFLAC125
.
wizdum
But why?
Dogespuder
Broke both my legs and went with the ambulance, total cost 6$
plastikman
$8k without insurance
pfsar
Sad that for some people this is even a decision that they have to make.
demsalmonmeats
Most people just don't pay their ambulance bills. They don't have healthcare so they use 911 as their primary health provider.
pfsar
No, most people in the Western world and elsewhere don't have ambulance bills at all because basic healthcare is universal.
pfsar
Love how those people who are opposed to universal healthcare feel the need to downvote facts that they find inconvenient...
luvas
Fuck that. I'm just going to buy good life insurance and a DNR. Let me die so my family gets money for THEIR future medical bills.
Aomni
My ambulance bill was $3,800 for a 1.2 mile drive
TheLetterKay
Where do you live that it's that cheap? I have a bill for a 4.3 mile ride in one. No machines on me. And it was 3.7k$
wizdum
NY but from this thread, I'm getting the feeling that prices vary a lot. Haggle with the biller to lower your charge.
Mrflufikins
This has 911 upvotes so I don't wanna mess with it
troy11998822
$1k? Maybe 15 years ago. Try $3-5k
phillycheez1669
Right? My last one was $2,200. They gave me benadryl and a ride to the hospital that was 5 miles away.
PropainAndPropainAccesories
This. Buddy in college had a stroke. 5k gone, had to drop out of college that he was already doing 3 jobs to pay out of pocket for
h0d0r
Yea, my wife’s trip when for our first pregnancy was $2900. Second and third kid we drove ourselves. Fuck America’s health care system
h0d0r
Sorry, wife at the time. Ex-wife now.
BrayerIncognito
Wow you pay for 1 trip what it costs an average UK tax payer per year to ensure everyone in the UK has as much healthcare as they need.
troy11998822
Yep. It’s pretty disgusting. As much as I would love free healthcare, many proponents of it don’t understand just how fucking bankrupt (1)
troy11998822
(2) our country is from fucking career long leech politician fucktard bumbler controlling our finances. Ticking debt timebomb.
troy11998822
*bumblers
Lostinspace56
Lol more like 3k for the ride.....
Manbehindthemadness
This being the number one comment speaks a message unto itself.
kernell32
You're just saying that for shits and giggles, right? They don't actually charge you for an ambulance... right?
Brix83
Sadly, they do. Even if you're not the one who called it for yourself. You could pass out and wake $1k+ in debt.
luvas
I wonder if a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) prevents that, and if a healthy 25 year old can get one on himself...
Brix83
As far as I know, anyone over 18 can have a DNR order. However, it doesn't apply to all emergency situations. As far as I know, it's only >
Brix83
> for if your heart stops beating. Medical personal are not to try to restart it. Emergency services can still be rendered. So, if you're >
kernell32
fuck it, leave me here on the floor.
shhep
Yet I've met countless people telling me this is far superior to NHS. HOW. How is that superior.
[deleted]
[deleted]
AwesomelyLonely
I don't disagree about hunt the see you next Tuesday.... But that's what you call "working??"
Hutchy01
I mean the actual in hospital care is better, their actual system is even worse than ours.
wizdum
I've also met countless idiots :P
mtallmen184
Privitization is the end game of all healthcare, it is human nature. Already in England hospital beds are prioritized for paying patients.
pfsar
Prove it. I doubt that you can because it's not true.
pfsar
So not willing to prove it but happy to downvote when challenged to prove it? Bravo!
Corin
Well, it's not as slow... If you have insurance, it's definitely better! If you don't... welp...
Uglysteve
Welp what? Is this in the US? He will get treated regardless of his ability to pay. Same for every single person here.
Corin
Well, if you don't have insurance, they'll treat you in emergencies, sure, but not otherwise.
FuckYouWaitedtolonggg
Cost me $5K to share an ambulance with a hurt friend. For a mile ride.
dav3nasty
More like $15,000
nipplepanties
Depending on the ride, like 3-6K
caunphety
That's 9k all day.
UNDE4DBEAST187
More like 10k
Kcinlive
At least $1k!
SquareRootToot
In Canada its free.....
CMaxwellEsq
My American ambulance ride was $80 with insurance. Are ya'll sure you're not exaggerating?
Istilljustwanttolurk
HMO vs PPO is just the start of differences in insurance plans.
SexualConsent
I now understand why my parents drove me to the hospital themselves when I broke my arm. We live in Canada tho, but I think there's a fee
TheSMxASMN
Here is like 5 euros......
tooomanysteves
In Australia $45/year will buy all as many ambulance trips as you need. Without insurance it can cost you $600 per trip.
minipancho94
must have good insurance then. normally around 2.5k, upwards of 5k if you dont have insurance at all.
AllTheGoodOnesWereGone
It's $1K with insurance. Can't imagine what it is without.
LupusIgnis
Wait, you have to pay even when you HAVE insurance? What kind of country are you running over there?
Myoldaccountgotdeleted
what the shit, it's 8 euros in Finland
Kikielvis
250£ per call out in uk, except you dont pay it directly
uberarticuno
I was about to say, I've not heard of anyone paying for an ambulance here. Never asked though.
eroso
"Let's go to the city! So... should we order an ambulance or uber this time?"
DrSparken
Frivolous abuse of any emergency service has £500-1k fine, or equiv in mainland countries. Ambulance is even free in UK if not abuse.
vayrun
I had a .2, yes 1/5th of a mile ambulance ride. They charged me $1,600 and didn't even put me on a stretcher or administer meds.
victoryscreech
About 4k where I live
gewalt
you must not be american, cause in america an ambulance ride is way more than a grand
flawlessvict0ry
My ambulance ride was $1600.
wizdum
Costs an average of ~800 in NY for BLS, ~1300 for medic. Dunno about other states, but shouldn't be outrageously higher.
UncleRico23
Yes this is correct
LoveHavingRidiculouslyLongNames
$146 Where I live. Unless you're a non-resident, then it's $732. Over $1000 if you're not from the country.
Imalwaysready
We got billed $1500 for an "out of network" ambulance. Got them to count it as in network (eventually) due to the emergency and it was $650.
e45643
fucking hell man i'd be cleaned out if i were american...
Verldemert
Seriously though. FUCK countries that think their people should pay money for an ambulance.
PaulLynde
But will probably have to pay a couple hundred dollars in parking fees. Why do we charge people to park at the hospital?
lurklurkingmclurk
I’ll said 3 to 4K, my ambulance ride was 3,500
jedimocro
What the fuck are ambulance bills?
laboon
Expensive is what
SexualConsent
Because America
RobertLSU
Ha $1k more like $20k
wizdum
For the whole visit, maybe. Definitely not 20k for an ambulance with that injury.
JimJonesKoolAidSurvivor
For a flight for life chopper it is
WillDigForFood
Yoooooou'd be surprised.
wizdum
Of the extreme outliers, perhaps. Are you just saying that though or do you have any direct experience?
WillDigForFood
Most members of my family have needed an ambulance ride at one point, its ranged anywhere from ~2-3k to 10k; admittedly the upper range 1/2
Noodlevillian
In the city I live, there's sister hospitals, when a decent trauma comes in, they fly that person 13 miles away to the other hospital. $20k.
qaaaaa
(Because generally they'll still wait less and have a higher survivorship rate)
Railerswim
That's how much I have in student loans. Jesus.
FiveToesRight
Only 20k? What's that fuss about giant student loans then?
Wolvenlight
I know someone with over 100k. They exist.
RacialTension
@80ish K at an out of state big ten school with no support and 3 semesters left (then grad/med school) so yeah, it's fun
popejubal
One person has reasonable loans, so that means there isn't a nationwide problem?
Railerswim
I only make $40k a year gross. Tech jobs in my area in high demand but the pay is absolute shit.
hodorgoestomordor
If they are in high demand just keep interviewing for them but refuse job offers until they pay enough.
Katalliaan
Whereabouts are you? I'd take shit pay over no pay any day of the week.
SuperHir0
It doesn't cost you money if they keep you though
PizzaRollsAreTheBestSnack
2.5
Noodlevillian
More like $8k
wizdum
Doubt it, not for a stable AnOx3 patient
EMTMarv
kaptin666
Bc Canada: $50 for ambulance to come to you. $80 to come and take you to hospital. Free to transfer between hospitals. This is air&ground.
GivOsEnSocialistiskKalmarUnion
Guys, why the fuck does ambulances cost money?
MasterDark001
Because of Insurance companies wanting cheaper rates
RoyalGuardian
If you're looking for a real answer, because ambulances are usually owned by private companies.
3654798521
Came for this, was not dissapointed.
drsnu1
...so that poor people don´t make waiting lines any longer...
LylJimmy
they don't! .... In sweden
GlobalConstitution4all
They cost money in every country, the difference is we are forced to pay a company to deal with the bill, and they charge what they want.
Thanaroa
Because healthcare was privatised to increase efficiency but then those corporations realised we'd pay anything to stay alive.
CyberCunt
I pay 10-15€ for an ambulance trip in germany.
ShouldersDeepInAHorse
Because billionaires want more money and control the country.
Marrafaqa873
In the Netherlands we have mandatory insurence that cover most medical costs(depends on how well you are insured) with an own risk of €385.
Marrafaqa873
We pay roughly 100-120 a month. And you pay extra for dental and fysiotherapy.
bereafireman
To recoup the cost of the equipment and supplies used, the wear and tear on rig, and wages of EMS Crew. Many places only bill the patient's1
bereafireman
Insurance, and don't pursue the patient for the costs. Medicine is more and expensive, any way to get back that funding back is worth 2
bereafireman
Looking into.
whatido
Vehicles, buildings, equipment, supplies, licensing, hardware, software, training, salaries...all cost money.
Shartifartfast
I fainted once and friends called emergency and an ambulance got me. Cost $600, and that was almost 20 years ago, can't imagine cost now
Treblaine
Medical devices. I have a friend who works in UK biomedicine, goods he makes are sold to ONE company in the US who mark it up 9000%.
Treblaine
For clarifications, the same products sold to other countries (and within the UK) are not sold at such extreme mark-up. Only the US.
Treblaine
Now even if you use NO medical devices in your ambulance ride... because most people can't pay, everyone else is charged loads just to ride.
Treblaine
It's a monopoly. No one else can go to the same UK company and buy the same product and sell it at-cost, due to REGULATORY CAPTURE in the US
cfgrs
In part, to avoid people using them as free rides to doctors for minor things. Mostly, greedy corporations.
jungerfrosch
Um, because EMTs generally would like to be paid.
Kakar0t
You do realize EMTs barely make over minimum wage right? That ambulance cost definitely isn't going to them.
Billywonderful
Well to be fair you have three or four people you are paying for in the ambulance then dispatch needs to be paid, and the government wants
Billywonderful
It's cut, and hospitals have to pay administration costs of having to do paperwork to include your ride on their bill. And the EMTs have
abitskeptical
Because your grammar sucks, Peter. Time to step it up, you're ruining America, Peter.
ImSorryThatIWasBornIdentifyingAsTheSexThatIActuallyAm
Because money doesn't grow on trees and our government would rather spend money on a fighting force that is unstoppable.
boomer6400
Why don’t you buy a 100k truck and pay 2 trained professionals to use specialized equipment to save people’s lives for everyone else then?
Kenblu24
economists are idiots
rbudrick
Ambulances are often for profit private companies.
DoctorSickMemes
Most ambulances get nothing in terms of $$ from the gov so they run on weither donations or billing
DogShitTacoTuesday
1k Holy fuck... About 20€ or pretty much the same in $ here in Finland
jrrjs
Because most of the time it isn't paid anyway.
Hammsammiches
Because people abuse the shit out of them.
mediocremedic
Strange, every single ambulance ride I've had resulted in them paying me.
Drizzlybus4
Not in Britain
dekket
It does in Sweden too. Nowhere NEAR 1000 dollars though.
B99Reactions
Only america
getoffmyprofileswan
I had a neighbor that would call 911 because she was lonely. Would be waiting on the sidewalk for them to arrive to take her to the hospital
noWhiteHorseHereJustBatturuPrinsu
Because ambulance trees only produce one ambulance each year
ashipthatshipsshippingships
Here I was thinking that they mated like all other mammals.
CarrionSphere
Bastard. Actually made me laugh.
B99Reactions
Dang it Bobby
DarwinGreen5
so the hospitals have something to overcharge the insurance companies. but they'll charge us the same too. :(
Imalwaysready
Not only do they cost money, but can be "out of network" & cost twice as much. B/c you have time to price shop while your spouse is dying...
AdmJota
That's not a meaningful question. There's no ambulance fairy that magically makes them happen. The real questions are "Why do they cost 1/2
AdmJota
so *much* money?" and "Who should have to pay for them?" 2/2
IUpvoteForFood
Because it cost them $10 in gas, not to mention that oxygen they give you. Better believe that ain't cheap!
T3sl4co1l
Because there's no control over medical costs, it's abstracted away by insurance companies, who have all the power.
laboon
Yeah right? Cuz you know they aren't giving they to the emts
e45643
wait... ambulances cost money?!
imanatheistdebateme
Because the people inside of it needs to get paid.
Eogos
It doesn't
peterzappfe
Because otherwis3 it would be.....COMUNISMMMMM!
HoboStabWound
Because the paramedics refuse to do it for free.
popejubal
Paramedics get paid more in other countries than they do in the USA and other countries still come out MUCH cheaper.
CrissCross35
I bet someone has died due to they wanted to save the cost, or couldn't afford the ambulance which is just...wrong.
TheStateOfDenial
legit question: which part is wrong?
TheStateOfDenial
I mean I'm the frugal sort won't call for a $1k taxi if I can at all help it. I'll throw 2mil and towels on the seats, get in ya bleeder.
chewybrian
I got hit by a car, refused the ride because I couldn't afford it. Had a broken arm it turned out, but lucky no internal injuries, etc.
Shartifartfast
So many, no doubt. Interestingly a Google search only brought up articles complaining about misuse of ambulance, but I've talked to several»
Shartifartfast
»EMTs who get refusals. It's probably just hard to track, but damn if those articles don't show how capitalism is more important in the US
rabbiebabbie
Overuse of emergency services by the elderly for non medical emergencies because they lack transpo drives the cost up for everyone
tonedeafsidekick
It isn’t just the elderly, but yes, ambulances are called for a lot of stuff that isn’t an emergency. (1/2)
tonedeafsidekick
(2/2) on the other hand I have elderly relatives that refuse to use the ambulance even in a true emergency due to the cost.
tonedeafsidekick
(3/2) $1200 to save my life?! not worth it. (they aren’t poor, either)
DrSparken
So you fine for frivolous abuse. This is the solution in UK and Europe.
rabbiebabbie
But problem is these old people don't have any funds or other means of transport to medical care it's not necessarily their fault
RearAdmiralObvious
Doesn't here in Oklahoma, they added some to the property tax and made emergency ambulance rides free. Hospital still shit ton tho
crowkiller06
Explain “emergency ambulance rides”
szai
https://emsbilling.com/white-papers/emergency-ambulance-services/
DOWNVOTEALLEMOJIS
I live in Oklahoma-that's not true at all....
professionalwindowlicker
Same here. Well the ones run by the county are free but the rest aren't
itsybitsyspider
Maybe it depends on where you are in OK? Because I've lived here for years and that is definitely not true.
DOWNVOTEALLEMOJIS
WTF are you talking about? Completely untrue.
jungerfrosch
So....then the ambulance isn't free
ChefPoopyPants
Ive also not heard of this development
Udidntcnething
Oklahoman here when was this? I have a $1700 ER trip from 2 years.
TezloK
Feels bad man. Crashed my MC a month ago, ambulance + getting patched up in ER cost 60$...which my insurance paid. (I'm a swede)
Rogahar
Wee the problem is that for most of America, the idea of anything raising any tax even by a cent is utterly abhorrent no matter the result.
malikcarr
Live in California. Everything is taxed to shit here. Ambulance rides still cost $$$.
Rogahar
Okay but that just means the taxes are being used differently. Different states, different state regs and all that.
ChainmailleAddict
Well duh, we only spend tax money on the military-industrial complex I MEAN big tanks and planes to blow up 'dem terries
DeGreenBlob
Isn't that what America was founded on
mrmartini
You know all those million&billionaire CEOs who don't provide proper health insurance to their employees? Raise THEIR taxes for single payer
Rogahar
"No taxation without representation" - they weren't against taxes, they just wanted a say in what and how much.
GivOsEnSocialistiskKalmarUnion
Y'all need some free healthcare.
Anowlbeadz
Boooooooo
Clopay
The problem with free stuff is figuring out who pays for it.
sockerbeta
Costs in Sweden as well. About 300SEK (~$25)
jungerfrosch
nothing is free
mge21
It cost money to ride in an ambulance in Canada... $80 but it’s still something
BavarianGuy
So why bother and create bureaucracy that eats away from the fees anyway? Germany had a 10 bucks fee for visiting any doctor without a
BavarianGuy
transferal notice from their local "every day" doc, to minimize visits to specialist on the patient's own discretion. Was faster gone than
JustineSane
It's free in Germany, if you consider paying 600-800 Euro per month for the insurance as free :)
Swaisdrais
But how much do the av. German earn to be able to pay this? In no way this has to be like USA. If you earn 600€/month what do u do?
JustineSane
Well its 50% self, 50% by the employer so if you earn something around 3500 per month before tax and insurance you'll end with up 2k payment
ImgursLibertarian
"free"
Greatbigbushybeard
Imgur has another libertarian? Praise be
CocaineAndSelfPleasure
https://pics.onsizzle.com/does-he-bite-your-libertarian-ideas-glorify-profit-over-the-4566743.png
ImgursLibertarian
Indeed. You are NOT alone.
DamianWinters
They are free where I live.
HoboStabWound
How do you get the paramedics to volunteer their time?
oscarmatic
*Someone* pays.
ssrakla
Same here
shmekie
Same reason we can't ban guns: GOP is bought and paid for.
itsybitsyspider
Put restrictions on gun ownership you mean. Banning guns altogether is a stupid idea.
Zyrixion
So many idiots downvoting you. You're not wrong. Course, both parties are corporate pawns, but the GOP are worse on it.
irlborat
Too pay for the ambulances, what you think we pay taxes for those or something.
TheNiceCommenter
Well you got to stockpile those weapons and outspent the world on "defence
TheNiceCommenter
"
irlborat
Exactly... Because we obviously need the $2 billion stealth bombers more than ambulances, I mean those dudes in caves are pretty menacing.
barnwolf
Well you see EMT's get paid just over minimum wage so ... hmm ya I guess that doesn't make sense.
HomelessJesus
Most EMTs around me are volunteer and connected with the fire dept
ashipthatshipsshippingships
Gotta be insurance. I can only imagine the insurance costs of running an emergency transport company.
allegedlynerdy
Part of it is because in America ambulance companies need to buy malpractice insurance so they don't go bankrupt if they get sued for 2-3m
Gmayor61
Does anyone in america get paid the amount he should logically be paid or is literally every company out there corrupt?
BlackwitchWizard
I work for a private small manufacturing business, and we get paid fairly well, time off, benefits, etc. The boss puts profits back into ->
BlackwitchWizard
the company and its employees, and is our friend and peer more than a boss. I feel that this is a very rare thing though.
teddy206
Is it corruption if its legal? If so then yes, if not, probably also yes
CocaineAndSelfPleasure
I probably get paid more than I should. I dunno how to put a value on my work though as it's partly sales.
REDS1X
It's fucking weird over here. IF you have a unionized job depending on the union you can get paid more than you should and its really hard..
REDS1X
to get fired. That isn't the case for most places of employment. If it's a non union corp. your are generally not paid what you're worth.
cuddlesdotgif
Average US paramedic salary: 31k - Average Canada paramedic salary: 80k
v
ghettofish
about 40k in Sweden.
gorgosaurusrex
I make more than paramedics? That doesn't seem right. I just work on computers all day.
szai
It can be downright traumatizing work, too. :/
washunichani
Canadian (BC) paramedics are paid $2/hr while on standby. Then they are paid $20-30/hr when on a call. Ambulance is a provincial service.
undungubungu
But but.. free market? :(
cuddlesdotgif
It’s sobering to realize the opportunity that America was built on exists now only in the upper echelons and was never promised for all.
DotSlashNatalie
The free market really doesn't apply when I'm about to die. "Hi, yes, I'm dying, send the cheapest ambulance - yes I'll wait 1 hour. thx!"
RandAIFlagg
BUT FAST FOOD WORKERS WANT 15 AN HOUR GRBLGRBLGRBL PICKUP TRUCKS AND GUNS WE DONT EVEN PAY EMTS THAT MUCH GRBLGRBLGRBLGRBL MUSLIMS BAN
cuddlesdotgif
TheGreatandAlmightyNooblord
NDP?!? MORE LIKE NASTY DICK POOPYHEADS!!
YoureBeingSieged
lol okay this was pretty funny
degenerator
Socialism is considered evil in the US. "Why should I have to pay for YOUR ambulance rides? You pay for yours, and I'll pay for mine." 1/2
firstofhisname419
It's not polling so well in Venezuela either.
Treblaine
"... just like I'll have my own private mercenaries to deal with WW2, my own private bodyguards for catching serial killers, etc"
12rt2345g342563
The real kicker is that they do have to pay for it. Where do you think the money comes from for people that can't pay those insane bills?
eroso
The irony in that is the fact that on average Americans pay more of other peoples healthcare than eg.Swedes do. That's how insurances work.
ohjohnboy
People asking don't understand, the large saftey net hospitals that take care of a largely uninsured population get funded by the govt. The
ohjohnboy
Patients don't pay anything (bc they can't), and then come back a week later to the hospital super sick bc they can afford to see a doctor..
degenerator
Yes, but the rich get richer, so we know that God is in his heaven.
olegh
But without insurance companies they wouldn't be able to grab a nice fat cut! Why do you want to hurt the economy, are you a communist?
degenerator
2/2 Or more to the point: fuck the poor, so that 'Murica can be strong.
Clopay
Again, strawman. Literally never heard anyone, conservative or liberal, make that argument. You should read more.
degenerator
? It's sarcasm. Maybe you should read more. Good ad hominem attack, though.
shmachero
I've never had my house on fire, but does the fire department charge you for putting it out? So emergency socialism is fine in that case?
degenerator
In the past, fire departments in parts of the US were private and you had to subscribe to their service.
Clopay
I have literally never heard that argument before. Never heard anyone who doesn't want to invest in a healthier country.
Clopay
The problem is budgeting. In order to rework healthcare, we have to throw a lot of existing infrastructure away for taxation to make sense.
Clopay
But because of delicate political party egos, nothing will get thrown away. If everything remains, nothing changes. Ever.
ForgotMyOtherAcct
You.. aren't American, is all I can assume, to have never heard it.
Misslnformation
Socialism never took root in America bc the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.
dm6776
No, it's because we know socialism sucks dick.
Misslnformation
Solid counter.
Misslnformation
--- Ronald Wright, A Short History of Progress
shmachero
Thank you for the recommendation. I'm assuming you recommend it?
truthsmiles
Because America
LOLOCEAN
Sweden too, however they cost 30$ but still, it's a bill.
deliciousbananapancakes
Thats the reason you guys give for everything and its a pretty shit reason. 'no clean water', 'cops kill black people', 'mass shootings' 1/2
deliciousbananapancakes
'no peaceful protesting', 'corrupt politicians', 'kkk supported by president' 'AMERICA' is a shit reason, aren't you guys sick of it? 2/2
deliciousbananapancakes
I'm not 'anti American' I genuinely like it, I've spent a few years living there on and off, almost all Americans are decent people and...
LiquidMilk
It's so fucked. People in emergencies should only need to focus on getting help ASAP, not the logistics behind getting it the cheapest way.
Keeban
Germany too
Doownek1000
And Norway
HolzKohlen
Only if it's not an emergency. And even then it's less than 1k.
SargentOblivious
Canada too! Ambulance rides aren't covered under basic healthcare
PhuckYourFeelings
Wait what I thought healthcare was free in Canada?
SargentOblivious
Basic healthcare doesn't cover ambulance rides and most prescription drugs
Kurianichi
I'm shocked
Piloerection69
Shocked!
KrippledKoala
Yeah mine was $40!
SaltyInternetPirate
I heard the UK is privatizing the ambulances, or something. The Tories are definitely earning their name. (old word for thief)
MrPetitePenii
Mine was $300 in Aus but private health knocked it down to $60
HiggsBosonYoFace
Hang on. Whoa whoa whoa. What.
12rt2345g342563
$800-1500 is pretty common pricing in America.
Blisswolf
They $100 in Alberta :( at least the rugby clubhouse will pay for it if you break your femur.
MericanNightmare
Yeah, but it's like what, a cab fare probably?
Masterlp3
If I remember correctly it's in the 300$, but there are probably refunds. Reason why is some people used it as a mean of transport.
PigMarshBetweenTwoSaltWaters
It is significantly cheaper in most places. And in some places, it's free.
Laika0050
Like italy
yourmomisminenow
it should be free everywhere lol
Affray
1)In Ontario if it's medically necessary you get a $50 bill, if it isn't you can pay a couple hundred tops. I will take that any day over
Affray
2)the US. Where as far as I understand it a ride usually starts around $600. I remember reading an article about how people in the US with
satinworship
That sounds reasonable. Provides motivation not to use it unless it's necessary, and doesn't burden people when it is necessary.
Dustybin314
*waves from the UK* Universal healthcare.
BrayerIncognito
*waves from the UK too* costs each tax payer (not person) about £4-5k a year. Still cheaper than US health insurance.
Snarkoleptic
That's an average cost. It cost less to people who are poorer than average. As it should.
dms110
*Waves from Lithuania* Medical costs pre-paid in the taxes already!
SoundPirate
It must be nice.... nice paying all those gotdam taxes.
edward8767
About 5 grand a year? Yes please. Then if I get ran over I won't go bankrupt
INeedToChangeMyUsername
I'm happy to pay them.
SoundPirate
why do I have -8? Why is everyone so serious. Its a joke my lads.
RackhamTheRed
how much do you earn/pay in taxes and health insurance?
Richrich07
Its worth it. Hes paying for quality healthcare and not having to worry of going bankrupt for a medical issue. Im american btw.
SomethingsNotQuiteRight
What do you think pays your police officers and fire department?