TRENTON, N.J. – Individuals who are injured while providing assistance during emergencies would receive free ambulance services under a bill cleared by the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee today and sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber.
“Good Samaritan laws are there to encourage bystanders to help in cases of urgent need, but what if those individuals suffer an injury after they jump into action? They provided assistance without hesitation and they deserve to have their emergency ambulance services covered,” said Webber (R-Morris). “Ambulance bills could amount to thousands of dollars. No one should have to pay for providing heroic services.”
According to the Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corporation, the average cost for paramedic service, including stabilization and transport, in New Jersey is about $1,500.
In 2017, former lifeguard Kristian Falkenstein aided first responders in rescuing a drowning victim in Belmar. After the rescue, Falkenstein went to the hospital to ensure his lungs did not take on water. The ambulance ride and subsequent hospital visit, which Belmar refused to pay, cost him more than $3,000 after insurance deductibles and co-pays.
Webber’s bill (A2471) requires insurance companies to pay for the cost of ambulance services to those afforded immunity under the Good Samaritan Act.