Q. What's the difference between a paramedic & an EMT?

A. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) are the backbone of emergency medical services. These individuals are trained in basic first aid maneuvers such as CPR, bleeding control, childbirth and airway management. EMT's receive several hundred hours of training. Paramedics receive over a thousand hours of training and are capable of performing many life saving procedures. They can administer over 30 different life savings drugs, perform advanced airway procedures, read & interpret EKG's and possess advanced patient assessment skills. To learn more about the different levels of EMT's that are available click here.

Q. I have a relative that needs transportation to & from a doctor's office - can you do that?

A. Bangs Ambulance provides a wide variety of medical transportation services. We offer specialized wheelchair vans for appointments, dialysis treatments or other regularly scheduled trips. We also do many of these trips by ambulance when needed, most often between medical facilities. To schedule any type of non-emergency transportation you can contact our office at 607.273.1161

Q. All communities have paramedics in our area, don't they?

A. No they do not. Only a few of the community's staff Paramedics on their ambulances on a regular basis. The reasons behind the lack of paramedics vary with individual situations. You should contact your local elected official to ask about your community. Paramedics make a difference.

A. An adequate amount of highly trained staff, vehicles and equipment are dedicated to our community 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer emergency 9-1-1 calls. The high cost involved in staffing, training and equipping these systems is paid for completely through user fees that are billed to those who actually use the service. The fees are regulated and maintained at usual and customary rates. Bangs Ambulance maintains direct billing with nearly all major insurance carriers, including Medicare & accepts assignment with New York State Medicaid.

Q. How can I get someone from Bangs Ambulance to speak to my group?

A. If you have a club or group that would like to hear someone from our organization speak about EMS or you would like your group to tour our station and ambulances please call our office at 607.273.1161 during business hours to set up a time.

Q. What can I do to make it easier for emergency crews to find my house if I need them?

A. It is essential for your home to be clearly marked so that emergency responders can find it with little difficulty. Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from the road and large enough to be seen at night. Turn on an outside light after you call. If possible, have someone meet the emergency responders outside to direct them in. Remember, although we try to pre-plan in many neighborhoods we usually have not been to your home before and are not as familiar with it as you are.

Q. When I call 9-1-1 in Tompkins County who answers?

A. All 9-1-1 calls in Tompkins County are answered in Ithaca at the Ithaca Central Fire Station. 9-1-1 in Tompkins County is Enhanced 9-1-1 (E-9-1-1) meaning that once a connection is made the 9-1-1 center knows exactly where you are calling from and what the telephone number is. Once received in Ithaca calls are quickly processed though to local authorities for response.