Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it cost so much to go to the hospital in an ambulance or helicopter?

All charges associated with our service are included in our base rate – paramedic and nurses fees, supplies including bandages and IV supplies, any treatment required by the patient’s condition and all medications including painkillers, tranquilizers, heart medications and breathing treatments. In addition, we charge a reasonable per-mile rate and an oxygen fee for patients who require it.

Although ambulance and helicopter services are costly, REMSA/Care Flight’s Fees – which are regulated by the Washoe County District Board of Health – allow us to provide national caliber advanced life support care to this region with NO tax subsidies. As a private, non-profit organization REMSA provides a wide range of emergency medical services, as well as the most advanced care and technology on our paramedic or nurse staffed ambulances and helicopters. We take the health and safety of our region very seriously and constantly strive to make sure we can provide the most advanced life-saving care to people when they need it, wherever they need it.

The result is that the Reno/Sparks/Washoe County area continues to have a ground and air ambulance service that is nationally recognized for its quality, responsiveness, and outstanding patient care. Both of which are self-supporting without any subsidies from taxpayers or local governments.

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450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720