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BOSTON -- You take them out for a night on the town, to the airport, or to catch a game, but would you take an Uber to the emergency room?
It's becoming a hot new trend as more and more people are picking speed over care.
Armand Spahiu drives people everyday, almost anywhere -- even the E-R.
He recently drove a woman who was in labor and about to give birth.
"Just praying made it to the hospital on time," he told Boston 25 News.
And Spahiu isn't alone. Poloma Timas has been an Uber driver for more than two years, she's also taken passengers from their homes to the hospital.
"When I picked her up all she could say was take me to the emergency room," said Poloma Timas.
Ordering a ride-share for the trip to the hospital a new trend, and anecdotal stories are backed by data showing that ambulance usage is dropping across the country.
Ambulance calls have dropped by at least 7 percent when Uber has entered many urban markets, according to an analysis by David Slusky, an assistant professor of economics, and Leon Moskatel of the Department of Medicine at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.
The researchers believe ride sharing services are to blame because they're much cheaper than an ambulance.
"I'd rather spend $10, $15, $20, $30 than $200-$300 hundred for copay for an ambulance," said John Gregorio.
Gregorio requested Uber instead of an ambulance after slipping and falling in Boston. He said it was easy.
"I stood up hit the app, the Uber came, dropped me off at Mass General at the front door," Gregorio said.
At Weymouth-based Brewster Ambulance, Director of Clinical Services Chris DiBona believes requesting an Uber sets a bad precedent, because when you call for an ambulance, you're getting help immediately.
"There are pre-arrival instructions given as soon as you make that 911 call, so you are in contact with a clinician that is walking you through a process if that's a chest pain process or if it's a stroke, choking, allergic reaction," DiBona said.
In a statement to Boston 25 News, Uber said: "We're grateful our service has helped people get to where they're going when they need it most. However, it's important to note that Uber is not a substitute for law enforcement or medical professionals.
In the event of any medical emergency, we encourage people to call 911."
But Dr. Ali Raja, an emergency room doctor at Mass General Hospital, believes that for patients with minor injuries who can't drive themselves to the E.R., Uber may not be such a bad idea.
"One of the great things about Uber is you get to pick where you want to go. So in Boston, with five level one trauma centers, who knows where you may end up. The ambulance, by law, needs to take you to the nearest one," Dr. Raja said.