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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 April 2015
Many private emergency medical service operators are discontinuing ambulance service, which the public sector then is forced to provide. Because of the high cost of providing emergency medical service, a large subsidy often is required which the public sector in many rural areas, already under severe financial stress, cannot afford. To assist in solving this problem, Oklahoma legislators passed a law in 1976 which allows the formation of special emergency medical service districts. The usual procedure is for a district to be established along county lines. If the voters in the district approve support for an emergency medical service system, the district collects up to 3 mills annually from property owners to support the system. By October 1, 1977, voters of three counties in Oklahoma had approved creation of special emergency medical service districts. In addition, leaders of several other counties are discussing the issue and probably will take advantage of the enabling legislation.