THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

298

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HEALTH.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that residents of the island of Hawaii would greatly benefit from the addition of an advanced life support ambulance to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the Makalei area.  The population of this area has significantly increased over the years, which has corresponded with a steady increase in calls for emergency medical services.

     The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in Makalei is challenging for the community.  For many residents, primary care services are as many as thirty miles away.  Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the access point for health care to many residents.

     Due to the lack of resources, it has become common for medics to have up to ten transports in a twenty-four hour shift.  The potential for fatigue resulting in errors in judgment, driving, and overall safety are of great concern for personnel and residents.

     The legislature further finds that a new advanced life support ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii.  A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals.  Given the island's significant growth and aging population, an advanced life support ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for an advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii and to be used during daily peak hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including the acquisition of a vehicle and equipment, and funding personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $        or so much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year 2016-2017 for one advanced life support ambulance to be:

     (1)  Based in Makalei on the island of Hawaii; and

     (2)  Used during daily peak hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.;

and to include the acquisition of a vehicle and equipment, and funding personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.


 


 

Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation for one advanced life support ambulance to be based in Makalei on the island of Hawaii and to be used from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and to include a vehicle, equipment, and personnel costs.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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