Dad's 15-minute CPR saved a fellow school parent but it cost him $250
Dr. Ian Sutanto thought the EMT checking on him was courtesy, but was wrong
On June 19, Edmonton doctor Ian Sutanto was playing a game of basketball with fellow parents and their sons at Brander Gardens School Gym. All of a sudden, one of the fathers collapsed. Dr. Sutanto and a bystander jumped in to help, performing CPR for over 15 minutes before the medics arrived, reported CTV News. Feeling fatigued after the adrenaline rush, an EMT checked on him at the school. Days later, he was surprised by the ambulance services bill that came in the mail. Posted on July 7, the video reached 336,000 views, 892 likes, and 496 comments.
Unaware no-transport ambulance calls cost money
While speaking to the news outlet, Dr. Sutanto revealed that it was his first time performing CPR outside of a hospital setting. "I’ve actually never done CPR outside of a hospital setting, so this is the first time, just a random out-in-public kind of situation. Thank goodness there was an AED (automated external defibrillator) at the school, because I think that was crucially important." But what surprised him the most was a $250 bill from Alberta Health Services for the ambulance. He never even went to the hospital. He felt lightheaded after playing basketball and performing CPR, so he got checked by the EMT. He added, "I was aware that often, if you get transported or use ambulance services, there might be a charge that you have to put through insurance. I wasn’t aware that if they showed up or attended to you, that instigates the charge."
Thought it was courtesy
Sutanto also appeared on Nil Köksal's 'As It Happens' radio show, and elaborated, "If they see anyone, I guess a bill is generated. I wasn't aware of that... Totally appreciative for their work, but, you know, I thought this was after doing CPR. Kind of a courtesy, a nice thing to do just to make sure I was okay." When Dr. Sutanto pushed back against the $250 bill, Alberta Health Services put out a statement, saying, "To ensure the policy’s intended application is clear and transparent for Albertans, EHS has made the decision to cancel the individual’s bill and will work with the Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services to review the policy."
Expensive ambulance rides
Even though Dr. Sutanto was able to pay the bill, he was concerned about people who had to think twice before calling an ambulance because of the costs, and he was right. In 2024, a YouGov survey asked Americans if they ever opted out of calling an ambulance because of the potential cost, and 23% answered 'yes.' Furthermore, people aged 45 to 64 (28%) reported they avoided calling an ambulance due to cost concerns. Those who could not afford an ambulance had friends drive them to the hospital (48%), drove themselves (18%), booked a cab (13%), and some (8%) even ended up not going to the hospital at all.
Bad press for charging a doctor who saved a life
People in the comment section were appalled that Alberta Health Services charged the doctor even after he saved a life. Others pointed out that $250 was cheap compared to where they live. @johnbutz4857 wrote, "$250 is a bargain where I live in Pennsylvania. Just to be transported to the hospital, no measures what so ever, just a ride cost me $1100, and the time to travel to the hospital was less than 10 minutes. Expensive ride in my book." @Treekicker commented, "They only canceled it because they're getting bad press about it. The next time this happens it'll be sure to build that next guy just the same."
More on Scoop Upworthy
Injured student calls Uber instead of ambulance to save money — ends up gaining a lifelong friend
Insurance worker reveals the most common mistake that leads to life insurance claim rejection
Share on Facebook
