Submitted by Westfield Fire Department
The Westfield City Council recently approved a groundbreaking ordinance to address the increasing misuse of emergency services by residential care facilities for non-emergency incidents.
The ordinance, believed to be the first of its kind in Indiana, introduces a progressive fee structure for calls such as “lift assists” with no injuries, facility transports for patients without emergent symptoms, or routine transfers for doctor follow-ups. These services are typically managed by the residential care facilities or private ambulance services specializing in non-emergent transports.
In the first half of 2025, the Westfield Fire Department (WFD) has responded to 1,651 EMS runs, with nearly one-third originating from residential care facilities. Of those, approximately one-third were deemed non-emergent.
Gaylor
“When we are called, we will absolutely respond,” Fire Chief Rob Gaylor said. “However, non-emergency calls can strain our resources, potentially delaying responses to life-threatening incidents.”
During peak times, WFD often handles multiple calls simultaneously, engaging two or more fire stations. This can commit half or more of the department’s personnel, occasionally requiring out-of-district support for additional emergencies. Such scenarios risk delayed responses to critical incidents, which conflicts with WFD’s mission to prioritize life-saving care.
The new ordinance will invoice residential care facilities, not patients, for non-emergency EMS requests, with fees escalating based on the frequency of misuse. Facilities are encouraged to manage non-injury lift assists in-house and contract with one of at least five private ambulance services for non-emergent transports.
To support compliance, WFD’s Mobile Integrated Health division will work with residential care facilities over the coming weeks to educate them on the ordinance, assist in developing internal protocols, and ensure proper patient care practices. The ordinance will take effect in October 2025, allowing facilities time to increase staffing, adjust protocols, or establish contracts with private transport services.