Transportation Services at Firelands Health
Firelands Health is committed to making healthcare accessible for everyone in our community. Since 2001, we’ve been offering transportation services, providing an average of 60 to 80 trips daily so patients can easily get to their medical visits.
To ensure patients can get to their appointments, Firelands Health offers free rides. There are no limits on how often patients can use this service, recognizing that many patients have ongoing needs. “Our patients can depend on us,” said Transportation Supervisor Yvonne Kiser. “I have heard so often that we are the only service that they can count on 100% of the time.”
While a 48-hour advance notice is requested for scheduling purposes, efforts are made to accommodate urgent requests whenever feasible. A formal waitlist is not maintained; scheduling is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, with adjustments to manage our daily capacity.
Patient pick-ups typically include return transportation, although single-trip arrangements can be accommodated. Patients may be accompanied by relatives aged eight or older for support and companionship. The vehicle fleet comprises of three standard transport vans, one wheelchair-accessible discharge van and two courier vehicles.
Because our drivers have repeat customers, “the patients become like an extended family to them,” said Yvonne. “The drivers get to know their passengers and take an interest in their lives and well-being. We provide more than just a ride; we provide stability, security and community for many of these folks.”
A dedicated team of drivers staff the transportation department, including courier services. A typical patient transport driver’s day begins at 7:30 a.m., with route assignments based on geographic zones: east, west and outskirts. Pick-ups are scheduled to occur 45 minutes before patient appointments, with a significant portion of patients attending appointments at Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services. Drivers are responsible for daily vehicle maintenance and cleaning. Courier drivers adhere to pre-determined routes and schedules.
Discharge drivers operate on an on-demand basis, responding to requests from case managers. These drivers facilitate the transfer of patients to nursing homes and group homes within a one-hour radius of the main campus. Unlike patient transport drivers, discharge drivers are trained to assist patients, ensuring a smooth transition to the receiving facility.
A wheelchair-equipped discharge van is provided for patients with accessibility considerations. However, due to limitations, this vehicle is only equipped with a lift. Transportation personnel are restricted to opening doors and folding wheelchairs; they are not authorized to provide direct physical assistance to patients. Patients requiring wheelchair transport must be capable of independent transfer.
Beyond patient transport, courier services are essential in logistical operations, such as delivering mail, laboratory specimens and bank deposits between Firelands Health facilities. These facilities include the Sandusky Healthcare Center, Magruder Hospital and various physician offices in surrounding communities.
The Sandusky City limits define the geographical service area, with specific exclusions such as Cedar Point Road and the Chaussee. Additionally, the service extends into designated portions of Perkins Township, including the area from Old Railroad Road to Bogart Road, east to Route 250 and all subdivisions within this defined perimeter.
Operational hours are structured to accommodate diverse patient needs. Patient transport services are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A comprehensive courier service, responsible for the delivery of mail, laboratory specimens, and bank deposits, operates Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Patient discharge services, which facilitate the transfer of patients to nursing homes and group homes, are available Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
If an individual living outside of our service area requests a ride, we direct them to alternative transportation resources. This frequently involves referrals to Sandusky Transit, though this service requires a minimum of two weeks’ advance notice. Patients are also advised to explore transportation options available through their insurance providers.
