Floor Remarks: EMS Law Goes to Governor

Emergency medical services units perform vital, indispensable, life-saving services across our communities.  With nearly two million emergency calls placed per year, the need for service is escalating, as is the pressure for quality and dependability.  We are grateful for the exceptional skill and commitment of the thousands who serve.

Unfortunately, their good work can be hindered by having to operate under an outdated state law.  This effort to revamp the law is meant to help EMS workers do the very best they can.

Time is the critical factor in emergency response.  Anything that costs precious moments – confusion, conflict, antiquated procedures – increases peril.  Proper preparation saves time and saves lives.

This new law will ensure that the standards are as up-to-date as the technology and the training.

A lot of people and organizations have contributed to this effort, some from within state government, but a lot from the outside.  The process has benefitted from a wealth of good ideas and good intentions.  The result is intended to be a practical operating manual, not a straitjacket imposed by Harrisburg.  This measure meets that goal.

We cannot remove the elements of risk and misfortune from life.  But to the greatest extent humanly possible, we can make sure that emergency response is quick, safe, and effective.  This helps service providers, and it helps our citizens and communities.