FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Question: Who can I talk to about billing?

   For any billing related questions or concerns, please call 1-800-906-6552.

2. Question: How can I get a medical report?

   Medical Records Request – please provide the following to obtain medical records:

   Individual (Personal) Medical Records Request – the following are required:

   • Please complete the following form – EMS Medical Release Form
   • A copy of the patient’s driver’s license, or some form of identification (i.e. passport, alien identification card, etc.) to verify their identity.
     • Note: If the patient is a minor, please include the identification of a parent or a legal guardian.
   • No payment required.
   
   

   Medical Records Requests from an Attorney’s Office or a Third Party Vendor – the following are required:

   • A cover letter stating representation of the client – with client’s name, date of loss/date of incident, and date of birth.
   • Signed HIPAA authorization, whereby the patient authorizes the release of his/her records to the attorney or the third party vendor.
   • A copy of the patient’s ID or Driver's License to establish and verify the patient's identity.
   • $24.00 check made payable to the "City of Glendale" to cover the cost of records production.  All requests are to be submitted via mail to:
     • Glendale Fire Department/EMS Records
     • 421 Oak Street
     • Glendale, CA 91204
   • Be advised that Glendale Fire Department’s emergency medical service billing is handled by Wittman Enterprises, LLC. Any questions, documentation or information required regarding billing should be directed to their office. The toll-free number is (800) 906-6552 and the mailing address is P.O. Box 269110, Sacramento, CA 95826.
   
   

   Subpoenas:

   • Please ensure that a complete subpoena is provided with a date of loss/date of incident and the date of birth. Incomplete subpoenas will not warrant any records.
   • $24.00 check made payable to the "City of Glendale" to cover the cost of records production.
   • If the subpoena is requesting a personal appearance (deposition/testimony), a $275.00 check must accompany the subpoena made payable to the “City of Glendale” to cover witness fee. Mail the subpoena and payment to:
     • Glendale Fire Department/EMS Records
     • 421 Oak Street
     • Glendale, CA 91204

   * Please be advised no records will be released without prior payment as indicated above. If you have questions or require further assistance, please reach us at (818) 548-6471.

3. Question: What if I can't pay my paramedic bill?

   If you are unable to pay your paramedic bill in full, you may be able to make arrangements to be placed on a payment plan, pending authorization. Please contact 1-800-906-6552 to inquire about payment plans.

   *Effective Feb. 1, 2017, there will be a non-refundable Service Fee of 2.5% assessed for the credit/debit card payments

   For specific site location/placement – please contact EMS at (818) 548-6471

    

   For specific site location/placement – please contact EMS.

4. Question: What’s the difference between an ALS and BLS unit?

   ALS stands for Advanced Life Support, which is provided to patients who need paramedic services for serious emergency situations. BLS stands for Basic Life Support, the type of medical response for less serious emergency situations. This includes transfer of stable patients to the hospital.

5. Question: Can I visit a Glendale fire station for a blood pressure check or other health assistance?
   
   Community members may visit a Glendale fire station if they have an immediate health concern and would like assistance from on‑duty personnel. Firefighters prioritize emergency response, so crews may be unavailable or out of the station at any time. For the best chance of finding a crew in quarters, visiting during standard daytime hours is recommended. If you are experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency, please call 9‑1‑1 rather than traveling to a station.

6. How often are fire hydrants inspected in Glendale?

   To help ensure the reliability of our water system during emergencies, a comprehensive, system-wide inspection of all fire hydrants and associated valves was completed five years ago. Building on that effort, Glendale Water & Power (GWP) is currently developing a proactive valve exercising program that will include fire hydrant valves, helping to maintain their operability and readiness.

   In addition to these planned improvements, fire hydrants are routinely inspected and maintained as part of ongoing field operations. The Glendale Fire Department also conducts its own regular hydrant inspections to support emergency response readiness.

    

7. Are fire pits or open burning allowed in Glendale?