Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Professional Development Training

Description:

Appropriates funds for professional development and training for Hawaii's paramedics.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3156

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the retention and recruitment of paramedics is vital in maintaining a top-notch emergency medical service. Paramedics are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as linkages among health resources. But retention and recruitment is a challenge. Studies have shown that scores or paramedics have quit or been dismissed for numerous reasons, not the least of which is the work environment.

The legislature further finds that professional development and training for paramedics is a sound way to address the challenge of retention and recruitment, which was identified as a top priority in keeping Hawaii's emergency response system in top shape at the 2003 Hawaii EMS Agenda for the Future Summit.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $350,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for the professional development and training of Hawaii's paramedics:

(1) Development and training instructor

for Kauai $75,000

(2) Video conference system to connect

Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii with EMS

Instruction on Oahu $75,000

(3) Paramedic training equipment for

Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii $200,000

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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