Word has reached me that a deputy of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department was injured a couple of days ago at the Department's firing range off Hartland Road, near Nelson Road.
The deputy may have caught a ricochet during practice. A helicopter was brought in, but I was told that the deputy was transported by ground for medical attention.
The deputy's name was not immediately available; nor was information about his injury or treatment.
Based on my experience, summoning a helicopter costs $6,000 (retail), plus the miles of transportation of an injured person at $75.00/mile. How big will the charge be to the Sheriff's Department for a helicopter that was not needed?
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9 comments:
Who cares GUS? First concern is the welfare of the deputy or any injured person. Rescue often calls in the helicopter and then decides the injuries do not necessitate being flown out. I don't think the person is charged unless they are actually transported. You seem unconcerned how the injured person is. No I suppose you will FOI for the detail to make sure it meets your satisfaction.
Why is it always some miniscule thing that you complain about? The costs are usually borne by people that pay taxes, work everyday and contribute to the common good of society. Do you fit in any of those categories or is your lot in life to complain?
NotA, thanks for the reminder about FOIA. If I send one in, I'll be sure to say that you suggested it. Of course, if someone from MCSD DOES return my call, there will be no need to submit a FOIA request.
What causes you to think that I am unconcerned, as you say, for the injured person?
What I'm curious about is HOW it happened. There should be a range safety officer who monitors the activities of all on the range, as well as safety conditions. I heard a bullet ricocheted off a metal post or sign. If so, was it previously identified by anyone as a potential hazard?
As to whether there will be a bill from Flight for Life, why shouldn't there be? A pilot, two flight nurses, and a helicopter is summoned; the sheriff's department should certainly pay for it. Why would you think there would be no bill?
There is never a charge if no pt is transported. This goes for ground and air. Helicopters do sometimes get called and then turned away once the medic in charge realizes it's not as serious as he once thought. Of course they try to avoid this, but it doesn't always work that way. And did you ever stop to think maybe the injury was just an accident? It doesn't matter how many safety officers or rules and regulations there are. Accident still do happen.
Maybe there should be no bill cause the FD requested the helicopter not the police. Instead of digging into the police why don't you look at the fire department?
If the deputy is ok, then so what? If killed, then a bigger story. Not worth your blogotyme, nor mine... doh.
Of course, it was an accident. I don't think there is a deputy on the Department who would fire and at metal post and plan on the bullet coming right back at him to bite him.
Now if you were in the situation and needed a helicopter but guess what, its not on standby becuase its to costly, your would be raising hell.
Last I knew Flite did not charge for police or firefighters injured on the job. Also, Flite probably was called by the FD, not the PD. (Could be wrong on the call.) Above all, my thoughts are on the welfare of the injured officer.
Well, no wonder they billed me $6,000 to write up the order, start the rotors and show up at Memorial Med. Center. Plus $75/mile for the 8 miles to NIMC. When any customer doesn't pay, it just boosts the bills to the rest.
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