Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Airport Closure Could Increase Ambulance Costs

The Rainy River District Social Services Administrative Board says it could cost a million dollars in extra ambulance costs if it didn't have access to the Fort Frances airport.

No closure decision has been made, but town council has been concerned with rising costs and has been looking for regional help.

The DSSAB's Dan McCormick says without the airport, they would need to hire at least four more paramedics to transport patients by road to hospitals elsewhere.

McCormick says an average of 550 patients have been flown out of the area in the past three years.