UP Gazette

State Rep. Dave Prestin on Tuesday expressed satisfaction with the signing of his plan to support emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics into law. The newly enacted state law extends temporary licenses for EMTs or paramedics from 120 days to one year.

“You don’t have to work in an ambulance or an emergency room for very long before you see just how devastating staffing shortages can be,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Allowing trained EMTs and paramedics to continue doing their jobs as they proceed through the licensing process is a common-sense policy change that will have a major impact. One or two new laws aren’t going to solve the problem. But efforts like this continue moving us in the right direction and further emphasize the importance of addressing statewide staffing shortages.”

In addition to extending temporary licenses, the plan requires that anyone with a temporary license works under the direct supervision of an individual with a full license of at least the same level. Rep. Prestin noted that the signing of House Bills 4613 and 4614 marks the first of many reforms needed to help build first responder capacity.

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