It seems apparent the Wisconsin legislature is well on its way to taking steps to allow First Responders to operate as one member of a two-person ambulance crew in the state. 

The measure is designed to help communities, typically in the rural areas of Wisconsin, struggling to meet current minimum staffing requirements of two EMT-Basics, to get their local ambulance out-the-door and to the location of a 911 call.  Neither Senate or Assembly bills attempt to place restrictions on a community’s ability to use a First Responder, because of population size or area in the state.  Thus far, the only requirement in both bills is an EMT-Basic or higher credentialed crew member is to be in the patient compartment of the ambulance during transport.

On August 18, the Assembly’s Committee on Health held a public meeting at the State Capitol.  Those who registered and spoke at the public meeting seemed to do so in favor of proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 213.  No one opposed it.  The Senate approved its version, Senate Bill 143, on June 9.

We’ll cover this topic in more detail during the live program of “Wisconsin EMS Live” webcast on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 starting at 9:00 a.m.  Dial-in using 646-929-1081, or listen on any internet connected device at http://tobtr.com/7870921.