5 things to know about the proposed Sparks first responder fee

Sparks Fire Department’s proposed $527 first responder fee has raised concerns over an additional burden on top of medical bills incurred in an emergency.

Reno resident Jess Wamsley attended the Sparks community meeting on Thursday night because she is in Sparks daily for work. Wamsley told the RGJ the fee is a scary headline on top of other federal health care discussions .

“To see things like this start popping up in our community is a sign for harsher times … most people are really feeling it right now with the economy.” Wamsley said.

During the community meeting, Sparks fire chief Walt White said current ambulance costs are $2,200 for anywhere in the community. If someone were to be medically treated by a Sparks firefighter and transported by a different ambulance, they would pay