Bill Would Allow State Health Commissioner to Accept Military Training When Certifying Emergency Health Personnel
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Linda R. Greenstein and Jim Beach that would strengthen the state’s supply of EMTs and paramedics while connecting veterans with jobs in New Jersey was unanimously approved today by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“The men and women who have served as EMTs and paramedics in the Armed Forces have received fantastic training and have proven their skills on the battlefield, yet we currently require them to undergo duplicative and unnecessary training to get a job once they return home,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer, Vice Chairwoman of the Committee. “By streamlining the certification process for well-trained and qualified veterans and active-duty military personnel, we can help our returning heroes transition into civilian life, while providing patients with high-quality level of care.”
The bill, S-1905, would allow the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services to certify veterans or active duty military and National Guard members as Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic or Mobile Intensive Care Paramedics if they have equivalent military training or experience to the state standards for certification.
“When our veterans return home, they are often searching for ways to continue to serve their country, their state and their communities,” said Senator Beach, D-Camden, Chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Committee. “Those who are trained as EMTs and paramedics could easily transition into positions of service right here at home, if we are able to remove unnecessary barriers for their employment. This is especially important in light of the high unemployment rates of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Rather than requiring these servicemen and servicewomen to needlessly start over in their training, we can make a real impact in helping them to quickly and effectively transition back into civilian life.”
The bill now heads to the full Senate for approval.