EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Fire Department has made some changes to their ambulance policies that in some cases could affect which hospital you get taken to and how long it takes to get there.

Right now, the fire department's ambulance policy is simple: No matter what the emergency is, if you want to be taken to a hospital, the ambulance that responds will take you to the hospital of your choice.

But if your injury or emergency is not that bad, starting on Monday you will be treated and then the ambulance will take you to the nearest hospital. But if you want to go somewhere else, you have to wait for a second ambulance to pick you up.

"They'll allow those specialized, mobile intensive care units, which are the rescues, to remain in their areas, to answer critical type of medical calls," said John Concha with the El Paso Fire Department.

That second ambulance will either be an El Paso Fire Department transport unit or a private ambulance company.

"It adds to our level one capabilities which is the lowest level of transport, and will add to that fleet," Concha told KFOX.

Just a few weeks ago, Martha Gallarzo had to call 911 for her mother who doesn't have health insurance. She worries about the change of policy.

"If you don't have insurance, and you can't go to Del Sol, whatever hospital on the eastside, and having to wait, just to come all the way to Thomason, I think it should be an equal thing...for everyone in general," said Gallarzo.

She believes if an ambulance is needed it is an emergency.

"If you call an ambulance, obviously you're calling an ambulance because you need help immediately, otherwise family would take you," she said.

But fire officials assure KFOX everyone will be taken care of, from heart attacks to twisted ankles.

"The community itself is not going to realize that change, they are not going to notice that change," said Concha.

The secondary ambulances will only be active during peak hours which is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.