New Jersey Senate Bill S2562

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22

Caption

Authorizes certain basic life support services vehicles to be staffed by one emergency medical technician and one first responder while in service.

Impact

The implications of S2562 are substantial, promoting increased flexibility in staffing BLS vehicles and potentially allowing for more timely emergency medical responses, particularly in rural or underserved areas where volunteer EMTs play a crucial role. By enabling volunteers to serve alongside trained first responders, this bill is designed to optimize resource allocation among BLS squads, which sometimes struggle to meet staffing requirements due to limited availability of personnel. However, the coming-into-effect provisions suggest that such arrangements would not apply to vehicles responding to 9-1-1 emergencies, which are mandated to follow stricter staffing guidelines.

Summary

Senate Bill S2562 aims to amend existing regulations regarding staffing of basic life support services (BLS) vehicles in New Jersey. The bill specifically authorizes BLS vehicles to be staffed by one volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) and one first responder, even while in service. This is particularly significant as it revises the prior law that required BLS vehicles to staff a minimum of two EMTs or a mix of EMTs and first responders without the ability to operate under a volunteer-only system on service calls. The bill clearly defines the roles and qualifications of the individuals staffing these vehicles, ensuring that the volunteer EMT is present in the patient compartment whenever a patient is being transported.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill enhances operational efficiency and community care by empowering volunteer EMTs, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of a single EMT and a first responder to ensure patient safety and quality care during transport. Opponents might question whether this new staffing model could compromise care standards, particularly given the increasing complexity of medical emergencies faced in the field. Overall, the bill's passage may prompt discussions within the emergency medical services community about balancing volunteerism with professional care standards in BLS operations.