Sen. Felzkowski highlights legislative strides made in EMS volunteer training

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski’s office recently highlighted the significant progress Senate Republicans made this session to further support EMS volunteers.

Legislation to provide reimbursement for the costs of initial EMS training classes taken at Wisconsin technical colleges was approved, and the program will be up and running in the fall.

Legislative Republicans also provided additional financial support to the Technical College System to ensure EMS classes operate, even if they are not at capacity. This will make sure that classes are available to individuals who wish to become certified EMS personnel.

Additionally, the Medicaid rate for “Treat, No-Transport” EMS calls was increased. This will help support EMS, especially in rural areas, who are usually the first call when an individual needs help.

“We also closed a loophole that was preventing individuals who threaten to cause bodily harm to EMS providers from being charged,” Felzkowski said, noting that other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, already have these protections. “EMS providers often deal with combatant, disoriented, and upset patients which results in a hostile, and sometimes dangerous environment. Protecting our front line responders has to be a priority.”

In the same theme, Felzkowski also toured the Life Link III operations in Rhinelander. Life Link III is a nonprofit that provides 24/7 air medical transport.

These services open up critical access to care for the Northwoods. They also prevent scenarios where local ambulances are forced to drive patients to hospitals several hours away, and during that time are unavailable for local 911 calls, which keeps response times lower across the region.