Fines target rash of EMS calls for falls at facilities

Port Washington officials last week set a schedule of fines to be paid by facilities in the city that call for paramedics when a patient falls and needs help getting up.

Aldermen hope that the move will ease the burden on emergency services by encouraging nursing homes, assisted living facilities and similar businesses to care for these patients on their own.

And if they don’t do that, officials have said that at least the city will receive some reimbursement for the time ambulance crews spend on these calls.