NAEMT Official Calls the Inaugural EMS On the Hill Event `Monumental`
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- EMS personnel from across the country are headed to the Hill today to ask for support on some very vital pieces of legislation.
Organizers of the first EMS on the Hill Day are elated by the response from responders. About 150 people have registered to participate.
"This is a monumental event ... This has far surpassed what we envisioned," said Jerry Johnston, one of the primary organizers and past NAEMT president.
Johnston told the group during a meeting Monday night it was important that legislators receive a clear and concise message from EMS.
The three major issues they are carrying to legislators today include:
- Support for a bill that would provide permanent Medicare reimbursement relief for ambulance services (a six percent increase) for transports originating in urban or suburban areas as well as a MMA bonus payment for trips in super rural areas.
- Support for all EMS personnel -- for-profit or non-profit -- to be eligible for PSOB benefits if they are killed in the line of duty.
- Help on a measure currently being developed that would promote patient-centered, medically directed evidence-based, cost effective and safe field EMS across the country to enhance readiness.
Lisa Tofil, of Holland and Knight, a lobbying firm, said it was essential for them to do their homework before they go to determine if their elected official is signed onto a bill.
She encouraged them to be straight forward, and tell their representatives why they are there, and what they want.
Johnston called the event "monumental."
