Vancouver, Wash.-- An off-duty lifeguard never imagined he'd get a bill after saving someone. But the Good Samaritan received a $2,600 hospital bill.
John Clark of Vancouver thought he was doing the right thing. The 17-year old was relaxing with his family at Rockaway Beach on July 1st when he heard screams for help. A 12-year old boy was being swept out to sea.
Clark dove into the powerful surf. The off-duty lifeguard managed to keep the boy afloat until rescuers on jet skis arrived.
Medics put both Clark and the 12-year old victim in an ambulance and transported them to the hospital.
The life guard was checked out at the ER to make sure he was ok after the time he spent in the cold water, so he was also considered a patient.
Clark didn't think much of it, until he received the bill from Tillamook General Hospital.
"I've heard that ambulances are really expensive, I never realized how much," said Clark.
Tillamook General Hospital says it is thankful for citizens who help save lives. But added in a written statement, "Those transported to the emergency department via ambulance services have done so after providing appropriate consent."
Clark said he's not upset," There's no monetary value to human life, I'd gladly go out and do it again."
Courtesy KGW.com
