Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Medical Dispatch Training topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly committee advances bill requiring emergency medical dispatch training for 911 dispatchers
Summary
A California State Assembly committee advanced AB 645, a bill by Assemblymember Carrillo that would require dispatchers who handle medical calls to complete emergency medical dispatch (EMD) training; proponents said the training can improve bystander CPR and prearrival care, and the measure was moved forward to appropriations.
Assemblymember Laura Carrillo introduced AB 645 to a California State Assembly committee, proposing a statewide minimum requirement that public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls complete emergency medical dispatch (EMD) training.
Carrillo told committee members that dispatchers “are often the first of the first responders, the first voice” and that California lacks a statewide EMD standard. She said the bill would “ensure those voices are trained and equipped to save lives.”
The bill’s supporters included witnesses from ambulance associations. A representative of NorCal Ambulance testified that EMD provides “CPR guidance, childbirth delivery instructions, stroke recognition tools, and choking interventions,” and said the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch offers a 24‑hour certification course used worldwide. Rob Lawrence, executive director of the California Ambulance Association, told the committee “lifesaving begins on the phone,” and argued the policy would address uneven levels of prearrival care in rural communities with long ambulance response times.
Committee members asked about training delivery and rural access. One member asked whether the certification must be in‑person; witnesses said the referenced International Academies course can be completed online. Members also noted an amendment carving out law‑enforcement dispatchers who do not process medical calls.
After brief comments in support from several members, the committee moved the measure onward. The secretary announced: “AB 645 Carrillo. The motion is due passed to the committee on appropriations.” Recorded affirmative votes in the public roll call included Ransom, Hedwick, Bennett and Calderon; the roll was left open for additional members to add votes.
Assemblymember Carrillo closed by noting that about 18 other states require EMD training and asking for the committee’s support.
The committee advanced the bill to the Committee on Appropriations for further consideration.
