Ambulance transport rates to increase

Emergency officials in Henry County requested and received approval for an increase in billable rates for ambulance service. The action, taken Oct. 3 by the Board of Commissioners, will set transport rates in line with neighboring Clayton County after staff-proposed increases to bring them equal to the local industry average:

■ Basic Life Support rates will increase from $500 to $800.

■ Advanced Life Support I rates increase from $600 to $1,100.

■ Advanced Life Support II will go up from $725 to $1,100.

■ Mileage rates will increase from $10 to $13.

The changes will take effect July 1, 2018 (the next fiscal year). The Henry County Fire Department transported 14,832 patients in 2016. More than 2,600 of last year’s patients were taken to facilities outside the county, staff reported.