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Senate Public Health backs interim study on statewide emergency medical services
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 13, an interim study of Montana’s EMS planning, coordination and funding, passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee after proponents described rural EMS resources under strain.
Senator John Fuller introduced Senate Joint Resolution 13, a resolution to create an interim study of statewide emergency medical services planning, coordination and funding with a focus on equitability across Montana.
"Over 80% of rural volunteer fire department responses are for medical reasons," Senator Fuller said, stressing the importance of evaluating reimbursement, training and licensure to sustain rural EMS coverage.
Proponents included Carter Marsh of Montana Professional Firefighters, who said the study would help evaluate licensing, training and the department that oversees EMS. Terry Mullins, section chief for DPHHS EMS and Trauma System, told the committee that Montana's EMS system "was last evaluated statewide 19 years ago" and cited data showing long inter-facility transport times and high rates of out-of-district dispatches for some counties. Mullins recommended including subject-matter experts and stakeholders in a full-scale evaluation.
A student speaker, Kaylee Hampton of Flathead High School, recounted local fundraising efforts and described how aging or failing ambulances and shortages of paramedics have forced volunteer departments to rely on creative fundraising and mutual aid. "In some areas, our departments are struggling to the extent that they are unable to obtain paramedics who provide advanced life support services," Hampton said.
The committee voted to "do pass" SJ 13 in executive action by voice vote. Committee members and proponents emphasized the study's broad scope and expressed a desire to include providers, training, reimbursement and licensure in any interim work.
No formal opposition appeared in the room during the hearing; officials from Department of Labor and Industry and other licensing bodies noted they could participate if the study's scope widened to include provider regulation.
