Abuse of EMS Services

[RES24CUE 168]

"A South Carolina woman was arrested after authorities discovered she called 911 at least 100 times in the past seven years to get rides into Charleston, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office says.

Audrey Ferguson, 51, allegedly faked illnesses and would immediately sign out of area hospitals upon arrival, telling doctors she was fine, WCSC reports."

Full Article:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/28/sc-woman-arrested-for-allegedly-using-ambulances-for-at-least-100-free-rides/?intcmp=obinsite

I find this to be absolutely despicable. After hearing many stories of people with very serious injuries who drive themselves to the hospital because, in their opinion, they are capable of making it to the ER on their own.

It is a shame that someone has to abuse the ambulance service to this degree in order for their conduct to be recognized and punished. Great work on behalf of the police department for following through with their investigation and securing an arrest.

I have heard stories of the same type of abuses in Westchester. I know of one town that assigns a plow truck to their ambulance after significant snowfall. There is a Hasidic Jewish community within their response area. I have heard that frequently when it snows, someone has a "medical emergency" so that they don't have to shovel the long road into the compound.