FAQ
General:
How do I request a copy of my medical records?
You can request a copy of your medical records by emailing Anua Willis, aunawillis@metsambulance.com. You can also fax your request to (417) 623-4022.
Employment:
What are the requirements to be employed at METS Ambulance?
You must be 18 years of age and must hold a Missouri EMT or Paramedic licence. Paramedics are required to have ACLS and PALS certifications. Applicants must be able to pass our pre-hire test, pre-employment physical and drug screen. Applications must not have any felony convictions.
How often does METS perform new hire testing?
METS will test based upon the need for employment. Please make sure to have an application on file with us. When positions are open, applicants will be contacted and given the test date. Applicants who pass the test will be interviewed by a committee of EMT’s, Paramedics, and Command Staff Members. At the recommendation of the interview committee, applicants will receive a second interview with the Director of EMS. The Director of EMS will have final approval on all hires.
Do I have to live in the METS service area to be hired?
No, you are required to be here prior to the start of your shift. If you are here, where you live is not a factor. Just keep in mind with the ever changing weather conditions that distant travel may make it harder for you.
I am not sure if I want to become an EMT or Paramedic and would like to see more of what the job is about. Does METS offer a ride along program?
Yes, METS offers a ride along program. A waiver must be signed prior to riding. If you are under the age of 18, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Email mets@metsambulance.com for further information on riding with us.
Does METS offer benefits and retirement?
Yes, to full time employees. METS offers competitive wages, health insurance including medical, dental, and vision. METS also provides a 403 B retirement program.
Billing:
How is my bill figured?
Based on the type of event, whether emergency or non-emergency transfer, you are charged a base rate to correspond with the level of care provided, along with a mileage rate. Understand that METS is a non-for profit company that receives NO tax support and that what is collected is how we must operate and provide you service. A fully equipped ambulance has to be ready to respond with all of the necessary lifesaving equipment and the cost of providing this service is unfortunately costly.
Medicare / Medicaid patients:
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you will only be covered if we can prove to them that the call was medically necessary and that an ambulance was the only way to transport you safely. This is NOT METS’ rule. We have to follow their guidelines which means it can be a struggle to get reimbursement from them. If Medicare / Medicaid denies payment to us, unfortunately we must bill you, the patient at the time that we receive the denial.
Does METS accept payments or do I have to pay everything in full up front?
METS will work out a payment plan for you if you need assistance in paying your bill. Whether you don’t have insurance or there was part your bill that was not covered, we will work with you to help come up with a plan affordable to you. METS will also offer you a discounted price if your payment is received as a one-time payment in full.
Ambulance Service:
What transportation services are provided by METS Ambulance?
METS provides Advanced Life Support service, meaning we provide the highest level of ground transport care available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide a non-emergency wheelchair van transport service Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Does METS provided community training?
Yes, METS provides CPR and First Aid training to the public. METS also provides continuing education for EMT’s and Paramedics through seminars and monthly classes. For more information email training@metsambulance.com.
What is the difference in an EMT and Paramedic?
An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is trained in Basic Life Support. Schooling for an EMT is approximately 6 months. An EMT can perform CPR, bleeding control, splinting, and assists the Paramedic in advanced procedures.
A Paramedic is trained in Advanced Life Support. Schooling for a Paramedic requires first becoming an EMT, followed by another 18 months – 2 years of Paramedic training depending on where you attend. A Paramedic administers medications, IV’s, cardiac monitoring, and several other advanced procedures.
A misconception is that we are “Ambulance Drivers”. There is not any Emergency Medical Service agency that employs an “Ambulance Driver” in this area. This job description doesn’t exist. Ambulances have at least 2 licensed personnel on the ambulance. The licensed personnel take turns driving / operating the ambulance. In addition to their medical training, the medical personnel receive annual training over driving and operating an emergency vehicle.
Does METS provide EMT and Paramedic training?
METS provides continuing education for EMT’s and Paramedics, however the initial classes must be taken at a local university or college. In the Joplin area, MSSU and Crowder College offer excellent programs in both EMT and Paramedic. Contact them direct for pre-requisite requirements and cost. As a student of MSSU and Crowder, you will do your clinical ride time either with METS or another local ambulance provider.
I would like to commend a crew for job well done, or I have problem with a service that was provided. Who can I contact?
For generalized questions, comments, concerns please email mets@metsambulance.com for these issues. This email is reviewed daily by the Operations Manager and Director of EMS. Please leave a contact number so that we may reach you. If you need immediate assistance, contact the on duty supervisor at 417-623-3347 ext. 14.
Why does METS Ambulance spend time on scene treating a patient as opposed to just placing a patient in the ambulance and doing a rapid transport?
The Emergency Medical Services field has expanded it’s training and capabilities to enable us to perform several functions on the scene. Our goal is to stabilize the patient, and perform any lifesaving procedures that will provide the best patient outcome possible. As EMT’s and Paramedics, we have equipment and training that allows us to treat the most significant injuries and illnesses. We can provide these services immediately upon arriving on scene, as opposed to having to wait until arriving at a hospital Emergency Department. In emergency situations, treatment must be received as soon as possible to enhance the outcome.
Example: A patient goes into cardiac arrest, meaning they aren’t breathing and they have no heart beat – EMT’s and Paramedics arrive on the scene and initiate CPR. Along with good quality CPR, the medical staff can administer IV’s, medications, cardiac monitoring, and advanced airway techniques while on the scene. By the patient receiving this care at this scene we are giving them every opportunity for a positive outcome. If we were to simply load a patient up in cardiac arrest and just transport them to the hospital without doing the mentioned treatments, their survival chances would be decreased dramatically.
On severe traumatic injuries, we understand that many times surgical procedures will be needed to ultimately stabilize a patient. The normal standard is to have a scene time of 10 minutes or less on traumatic injuries in which the patient is critical. This goal can’t always be met if there are barriers at the scene, such as extrication, extreme weather conditions, unsafe scenes or multiple victims.