With input from local providers, state Representatives Jeff Mursau and Bob Kulp and Senator Terry Moulton intend to introduce legislation to change ambulance staffing requirements and help struggling volunteer ambulance services across Wisconsin.  Their letter is seeking co-sponsors to the proposal with a reply date of April 24.

Currently, two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), licensed registered nurse, registered physician assistant, physician, or a combination of these individuals are required when transporting an individual. This legislation would allow an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) to act as one member of a legal ambulance crew.  The bill also requires the EMT (or higher license level) to remain with the patient at all times during care and transport of the patient.

In their letter seeking co-sponsors they stated, “The proposal would immediately provide necessary relief for the staffing shortages caused by the difficulty of recruiting and retaining EMTs, especially in the volunteer services providing coverage in rural areas. Additionally, it would be a valuable tool to recruit new squad members as First Responders without the pressure to immediately commit to the additional education requirements of an EMT”.  They also stated, “Many rural emergency ambulance volunteer services are in a state of crisis with few staff to cover a necessary 24/7 service to their communities”.