Apr. 29, 2022
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by State Rep. Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Union) that would help emergency responders answer calls has passed the House unanimously.
“Pennsylvania is blessed by tens of thousands of emergency responders who put themselves in harm’s way to save our family, friends, and neighbors.
House Bill 2097 is a common-sense bill that will continue the existing regulatory waiver granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. I introduced this bill to get the government’s hands out of the hard work emergency responders do, and to ultimately help more Pennsylvanians,” Hamm said.
During the governor’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the regulation that increased the number of EMRs/EMTs required per ambulance was waived to facilitate access to critical healthcare services. By extending this waiver, it will be easier for Basic Life Support (BLS) Units from Volunteer Fire Companies to respond with a certified driver and an EMT.
“HB 2097 will result in more lives being saved, especially in rural areas, because trained firefighters and other certified emergency response volunteers will continue to be permitted to get BLS Units out to help people in their time of need. I hope my Senate colleagues act quickly to get this bill to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.”
Questions about this or any other state-related issue can be directed to Hamm’s office at 570-546-2084.