Calling 911

What to do when you call

What happens on the other end of your call

Patient care 

Billing

What to do when you call

In an emergency, don't stall -- call 911!

 What happens on the other end of your call

When you call 911, an operator will ask if you are calling for, "fire, police or an ambulance?" If you say, "ambulance" you will be connected with an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD).

The Dispatcher will ask you a series of questions to learn more about the medical emergency and to determine exactly where the emergency is happening.

The Dispatcher will send the nearest ambulance to the scene. The Dispatcher will continue to ask you questions, sharing the information you provide with the paramedics who are on their way. The more information paramedics have before they arrive at the scene, the more prepared they are to help the patient.

The Dispatcher may also be able to provide assistance over the phone and tell you how you can help the patient until the ambulance arrives.

Remember to stay on the phone until the Dispatcher tells you to hang up!

Patient care 

The City and County of Honolulu EMS philosophy is, "'O Ka Mea Ma'i Ka Mua" or, "The person sick is first."

Patient care is different depending on the situation and the person in need. When paramedics arrive at the scene of an emergency, they quickly assess the situation and the patient. They reassure and treat the patient, speak with family members, and decide whether or not the patient needs to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. If a transport is necessary, paramedics treat the patient as they drive to the nearest appropriate medical facility. On the way, paramedics talk with nurses and doctors at the medical facility to share basic information about the patient's condition and immediate needs. This helps the hospital prepare for the ambulance's arrival.

Billing

The cost of an ambulance transport by the City and County of Honolulu EMS ranges from $400-$450. Most health insurance companies cover all, or at least part, of the cost (check your insurance policy to learn about your coverage).

Current or previous patients with billing inquires should contact:

State of Hawaii
Ambulance Billing System
3627 Kilauea Avenue, Rm. 102
Honolulu, HI 96816-2317

Telephone: (808) 733-9215
Facsimile: (808) 733-8332

Billing Representatives are available weekdays by telephone from 7:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time