Putnam County Emergency Services

Emergency Medical Service 

Putnam County Emergency Medical Services is licensed to operate by the Office of Emergency Medical Services, Florida Department of HRS and functions according to Chapter 401, Florida Statutes and CH. 10D-66, Florida Administrative Code. Putnam County EMS became a free standing entity on February 17, 1992 when it was split from the Palatka Fire Department. The Administrative offices are located at 1802 North Highway 19, next to the Sheriffs Office. The administrative office number is 329-0892 and for billing information the number is 329-0240.

We provide speakers for civic organizations, schools, businesses, and private groups. Demonstrations can be tailored for your specific needs. Topics include, EMS operations, safety, health and wellness, CPR and first aid. Call the administrative office phone number for details.

Mission Statement The mission of Putnam County EMS is to provide quality prehospital mobile health care to the residents and visitors of Putnam County, to serve all with respect, dignity, empathy and compassion, to continue to improve the quality of our care and services through the education of our personnel and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I sent a bill for service-I did not call for an ambulance?
Bills are sent to the person who received the service, regardless of who called 911.

Will you bill my insurance company?
Yes, we bill primary and secondary insurance, but ultimately the patient is responsible for any charges incurred.

Will Medicare pay for this service?
Medicare will pay 80% of the approved amount if they deem it was medically necessary for you to be transported by ambulance and the patient would be responsible for 20%. If Medicare decides it was not medically necessary to go by ambulance then the patient is responsible for the entire bill.

Why can't you take me straight to an out-of-county hospital without first going to Putnam Community?
When you dial 911 you are saying that you have an emergency, emergency patients must be evaluated by a physician to make sure they are stable enough to be taken to a hospital that is further away, if not we are liable.

Why can't I ride in the back of the ambulance with my family member?
First it is for your safety, there are no shoulder/lap belt restraints for passengers and secondly the space is designed for a patient and an attendant who may need to provide emergency care.

Can I make payments on my bill?
Yes we are happy to work with you in any way possible

Why was I tied down to that hard board?
You may have a spinal injury which could leave you paralyzed if we did not take the proper precautions.

Will my Health or Supplement Insurance pay my bill?
Your coverage depends on your particular policy. Only your Insurance Company can verify your coverage.

Will my Health Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid pay when I have an auto accident?
No, auto insurance must always be billed first.

Why do I have to pay, this accident was not my fault?
Under Florida's No Fault Auto Insurance Law your insurance company should be billed first.

I pay taxes why do I have to pay an ambulance bill?
There is no funding mechanism in the County's tax assessment. EMS is funded out of the County's General Fund and by those who use our service.

Why are the ambulance charges so high?
This is a very expensive operation. In the 1997-1998 budget year it cost more than $2,000,000.00 to provide this service to the citizens of Putnam County. We have six stations spread throughout the County staffed by 45 highly trained personnel, a physician Medical Director, Clerical Staff, and an Operations Chief.

For additional information contact:

Sheri Kenyon

sheri.kenyon@putnam-fl.com