Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) joined with other members of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee for a press conference to highlight legislation that addresses issues faced by the emergency medical services (EMS) community. In the attached video, Senator Lisa Baker underscores the importance of increased funding for EMS, as well as extending a COVID-19 waiver, which would enable emergency responders to help more people. It would allow certified emergency personnel – such as first responders with specific first aid, CPR and emergency vehicle training – to drive ambulances with an emergency medical technician (EMT) on board.
House Bill 2097 would implement the wavier extension, and was unanimously passed by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.