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Burbank Fire Department Paramedics respond, should anyone in your household need emergency medical care and transportation.

The typical fee for ambulance transportation to a hospital ranges from $432 to $792, depending on the type of medical services provided.. As an alternative to paying these fees, all residents are encouraged to enroll in the  Emergency Medical Services Membership Program.

This Membership Program provides medical treatment  AND transportation for emergency calls for only $48.00 per year or $4.00 per month. This coverage applies to  any full-time, permanent resident  and their household located within the City of Burbank.

If the EMS Membership Program is used, the City will bill your insurance.  However, regardless of your insurance coverage, the membership fee assures you of no out-of-pocket expense.  Enrollment in the EMS Membership Program is quick and easy. Simply, fill out an enrollment form and mail it to the City of Burbank Fire Department.

We urge you to take advantage of this program and enroll now. Your membership begins with the receipt of your enrollment form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the EMS Membership Program?
   The EMS Membership Program is a program designed to allow Burbank citizens to protect their families from out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency care provided by the Burbank Fire Department.

2. What does the $4.00 per month cover?
   ALL emergency medical services and ambulance transportation to emergency receiving hospitals provided by the Burbank Fire Department are covered

3. If I decide not to enroll, will I receive the same service as program members?
   Yes. Burbank residents and visitors receive the same high-quality service as in the past. Membership in the program will NOT change the level of care. Burbank Paramedics will respond to every emergency medical call.

4. As a resident, how do I enroll in the EMS Membership Program?
   You must complete an enrollment form and return it to the Burbank Fire Department. If you receive an electric bill from the City of Burbank, you may choose to enroll on a monthly basis and pay $4.00 per month on your bill. You may withdraw at any time from the program or your membership will end with the cancellation of your electrical service. If you do not receive a City of Burbank electric bill and you wish to participate in the program you must pay the yearly fee.  
   
   To pay the yearly fee, write a check made payable to the "Burbank Fire Department" for $48 and mail it with your enrollment form for one year of membership coverage. There is no refund if you move from the City or wish to withdraw at any time from program before the year is up.

5. Who is covered under the membership fee?
   All permanent residents of a member household.

6. I am retired and only have Medicare coverage: should I enroll in the EMS Membership Program?
   Yes, you should enroll. Medicare may not cover the total cost of pre-hospital medical treatment the Paramedics provide or for ambulance transportation.

7. If I do not enroll in the EMS Membership Program, will my insurance cover the per call charge?
   Insurance coverage varies. You should check with your insurance company. If you enroll in the EMS Membership Program, the enrollment fee covers any deductible and any charges relating to the paramedic or emergency transportation services that are not covered by your insurance.  You incur no out-of-pocket expenses related to paramedic and transportation services. However, your insurance company will be billed for all services that the City provides, whether you are enrolled in the EMS Membership Program or not.

8. Does the membership cover  members of my household outside the City of Burbank?
   No. Members are only covered within the City of Burbank.

9. Is non-emergency ambulance transportation covered to or from a hospital, doctor's office, rehab facility or retirement home?
   No. Routine ambulance transportation is not of benefit to the membership program at this time.

10. Is there a reduced fee for low-income families?
    One of the purposes of this program is to provide families with an alternative to paying for the cost of ambulance transportation. The monthly fee of $4.00 is, itself, the reduced fee, and applies to each household.

11. What is the cost of an ambulance bill?
    There is no charge for the response of Burbank Fire Department paramedics and ambulance. Charges are incurred only if a patient is transported. The minimum charge is $432.00 per patient per response. Fees for specialized services, such as, defibrillation, drug therapy, oxygen, and intubation, as well as mileage, are added to that base rate.

12. I pay property taxes. Why don't my tax dollars pay for ambulance service?
    Tax dollars provide for fire service to Burbank residents but not paramedic and ambulance service. The Fire Department has charged for ambulance transportation since the program began in 1979.

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