This is a good point, with the caveat that it's roughly 5 miles to two hospitals north of the Fremont factory. If traffic is terrible, an ambulance should be called; otherwise, a Lyft vs ambulance will make no difference.
Crushing injuries can result in life threatening issues even if someone appears stable. Clot or hemorrhage can go from everything looking ok to serious very quickly.
Ambulances are low risk and cheap somthey really should be used even down to ~0.1% chances of serious issues.
I am a paramedic. If someone with a crushing injury to their hand is otherwise stable, I am not going to be headed to the hospital with the lights and sirens on.
If the injury is higher (with the potential for compartment syndrome distal to the injury site, or closer to major blood vessels), then sure, I may be in a bit more of a hurry (a "bit" being the operative word there... slow is smooth, smooth is fast).
I don't disagree with that, but is otherwise stable can change. With an Uber their is no recourse if the person in the back starts having a heart attack for example.
I appreciate you taking the time to provide context and insight here. Even having taken a wilderness EMT course, I still learned something from your comments. Thank you!