UP Gazette

State Rep. Dave Prestin expressed satisfaction on Wednesday as his proposal to support emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics unanimously passed the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. The legislation aims to extend temporary licenses for EMTs or paramedics from 120 days to one year.

“We’re losing students who have gone through the rigors of EMS training on the 120-day rule, which disallows students from remaining as an EMT if they don’t pass their first certification test,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “This legislation paves the way for students to continue providing care under the direct supervision of their peers or superiors as they continue to seek full licensure and a permanent place in the EMS world.”

The proposed plan also stipulates that anyone with a temporary license must work under the direct supervision of an individual holding a full license of at least the same level.

“Rural communities feel the devastating effects of EMT shortages first. It’s something we’re all too familiar with in the Upper Peninsula,” added Prestin. “Having worked in the back of an ambulance and in emergency rooms, I’m deeply familiar with the immense workload and burnout felt by the few first responders we have left. This doesn’t solve the entire problem but is an incremental step in the right direction.”

The plan now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.

“It’s wonderful to see the Senate acknowledge and embrace the urgency behind our plan to address the statewide shortage of medical first responders,” Prestin remarked. “This bipartisan effort will put more first responders on the frontlines serving their communities.”