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1. Who is in charge of EMS Billing?

Ambulance billing services for Borger Fire Department EMS are provided by Emergicon, a third-party billing agency contracted by the City of Borger. To contact Emergicon, please call 1-877-602-2060.

2. What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

An EMT is considered the first line in EMS. They are trained to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) such as first aid, oxygen, newborn delivery, some medicines and are skilled in emergency transport. You can spot them by the blue patches they wear on their right shoulder or by their rank on their uniform shirt.

A Paramedic is the highest level certified by the state of Texas. Paramedics can perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the field. ALS skills include EKG interpretation, Defibrillation, Intravenous access, lifesaving drug administration, endotracheal intubation and some minor surgical techniques. You can spot them by the red patch on their right shoulder or by the rank on their uniform shirt.

There is actually a third classification, the EMT-Intermediate. The Intermediate is trained to do many of the same skills a Paramedic can do such as IV therapy, some medications, and breathing tube placement. The Intermediate can be identified by the blue patch with red writing on their right shoulder or again, by the rank on their uniform shirt.

3. How do I make my home and family safer?

There are many things we all can do to improve safety. A few examples are: 

1. Learn CPR
2. Get a fire extinguisher and become familiar with the proper techniques for use. 
3. Make a fire exit plan for your home (and practice exit drills!). Know at least two ways out, have a safe exit from a two-story house, have a safe meeting place outside. 
4. Learn first aid.
5. Be diligent. 

4. When should I call for an ambulance?

• A person(s) condition appears life-threatening or could worsen and become life-threatening.
• Moving the person could cause further harm.
• The person needs equipment used by and skill of paramedics or emergency medical technicians.
• Driving would cause a significant delay in getting to the hospital.
• A person(s) appears to be losing a large amount of blood.
• Bleeding that does not stop.
• Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or poor skin color.
• Skin/lips that appear blue, gray, or purple.
• A Cut or Burn that is large, deep, or involved the head, chest or abdomen.

5. Is Borger EMS equipped to handle medical and trauma emergencies?

Yes!

We have state of the art Ambulances that are staffed strategically for both medical and traumatic emergencies. 

6. Does it cost to be evaluated by EMS?

No. It does not cost to be evaluated unless you require medical attention and are transported via ambulance to a hospital.

7. What types of medical emergencies does EMS respond to?

Any and all. Here is a list of examples that our EMS typically responds to:

1. Heart attack
2. Allergic Reaction
3. Sudden Illness
4. Natural Disasters
5. Automobile Accidents
6. Industrial Accidents
7. Fires
8. Hazmat Situations
9. Breathing Difficulties
10. Stroke
11. Covid
12. Falls
13. Choking
14. Burns
15. Traumatic Injuries
16. Psychiatric Disorders
17. Seizures
18. Poisoning
19. Diabetic Symptoms
20. Cardiac Episodes
21. Hypo/Hyperthermia

8. Can I pick which hospital I want to go to?

Yes, however, the EMS crew has the judgement to determine whether this is safe or violates state or local protocol.

9. How are ambulance services funded?

Ambulance services through Borger Fire Department are funded through a multitude of ways. 

1. Local taxes (EMS relies on taxpayer dollars to cover deficits when not enough patient fees are collected)
2. Patient/Commercial Insurance Payments
3. Patient Fees
4. Government Grants
   
   
   

10. How many units do we have in Borger?

Borger will staff two ambulances. For 12 hours a day, one will respond from Fritch, while the second responds from Borger. If one ambulance leaves to transport a patient out of the county, the other will relocate to Borger. A Third Ambulance will be housed as a maintenance spare and available for large incidents, community events, standbys, or other emergencies as needed.

11. Where are the Ambulances housed?

Two ambulances will be housed at the current ambulance bay next to Golden Plains Community Hospital. The spare will be housed at the Borger Fire Station. Borger Firefighters are trained EMT Basics (at the minimum) and can operate the third ambulance in an emergency. 

12. Is Apollo part of Borger Fire EMS?

No. Apollo is a separate party. They assist as necessary, as does LifeStar.