State Rep. Dave Prestin on Wednesday was proud to see his plan to support emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics unanimously pass the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. The legislation would extend temporary licenses for EMTs or paramedics from 120 days to 1 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.”

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.

“Rural communities feel the devasting effects of EMT shortages first. It’s something we’re all too familiar with in the Upper Peninsula,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “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 moves on 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 said. “This bipartisan effort will put more first responders on the frontlines serving their communities.”

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