Take Action
We need YOUR help in advocating for EMS in Wisconsin!
Join the Wisconsin EMS Association in shaping the future of emergency medical services in our state. Through our advocacy efforts, WEMSA works to keep members informed and connected with legislation and policies that impact EMS providers, departments, and the communities they serve. We provide regular updates on key issues, offer guidance on contacting your legislators, and work to support legislation that strengthens EMS systems in Wisconsin.
How You Can Get Involved:
- Current Legislative Priorities: Stay informed about the policy issues WEMSA is actively monitoring and advocating for.
- Find Your Legislator: Learn who represents your district and how to contact them with your concerns.
- Understand the Issues: Get clear summaries and updates on proposed laws and regulations that affect your work and EMS across the state.
Together, we can push for policies that improve EMS services and support the professionals who serve our communities every day. Below is more information on our priorities and talking points!
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Current Legislative Priorities
Summary:
Reimburses an individual or employer for the costs of EMS training programs (tuition and materials costs) completed at technical colleges in Wisconsin for initial licensure once the individual has passed the program and earned their certification (EMR - emergency medical responder) or license (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic - emergency medical service practitioner). This bill also provides grants to technical colleges for expanding the access to emergency medical service programs and grants to PSAPs for piloting Live 911 programs.
Why it Matters:
Many prospective EMS professionals are deterred by the cost of training. Reimbursement breaks down barriers and supports recruitment across the state. It reduces the expenditures on EMS departments for training.
Talking Points:
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The EMS workforce is in crisis with professionals leaving every day. Currently, there are little incentives to support building up the workforce.
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The majority of EMS departments rely on volunteers to fill shifts. Most volunteers pay for their own training, materials, etc. We need to reduce barriers for those that want to help their communities.
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This bill supports longer sustainability of an EMS workforce and supports individuals to get licensed as an emergency medical service professional.
Current Status: This bill has passed both the Senate Committee and Assembly Committee with an amendment. It is ready for scheduling by the legislator in both chambers.
How You Can Help:
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Contact your legislator and urge them to schedule and pass SB182/ AB198!
Want help contacting your legislator?
Complete this form to support Initial EMS Training Funding!
Summary:
Creates a levy limit exemption for regional EMS systems, allowing municipalities to better fund EMS operations without going to referendum. "Regional" EMS system means any EMS agency that serves 8 or more municipalities or covers 232 square miles.
Why it Matters:
Communities working together to deliver EMS services should not be penalized under current levy rules.
Talking Points:
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This bill supports efficient and sustainable EMS services which is expected by the public when they call 911. Wisconsin citizens are not aware that EMS is not an "essential" service and when they dial 911, have an expectation that EMS is available where they live.
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Rural areas and smaller communities struggle with budget shortfalls and available funding mechanisms.
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This bill supports the efficient use of funding to support local EMS without relying on referendums (which may fail to pass potentially resulting is loss of service).
Current Status: This bill has been heard by both the Senate Committee and Assembly Committee and has not been voted on by either committees.
How You Can Help:
- Contact your legislator and urge support of SB181 / AB197 through the committees without any amendments to the bill.
Summary:
Provides increased reimbursement to EMS agencies when care is provided but no transport occurs (A0998 - ambulance response and treatment, no transport) an increasingly common response for EMS.
Why it Matters:
EMS agencies still use time, equipment, and training to treat patients on-scene even if they are not transported. Current reimbursement for A0998 is only $69.00 barely covering the gas to get to the scene, let alone the cost of supplies, personnel, etc.
Talking Points:
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Current policy discourages treatment in place and departments typically results in patient refusals.
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This bill recognizes evolving EMS care models that support reducing non-emergent calls for 911 service.
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Helps support department reimbursement for the services provided on-scene.
Current Status: This bill has passed both the Senate Committee and Assembly Committee. It is ready for scheduling by the legislator in both chambers.
How You Can Help:
- Contact your legislator and urge support and sponsor SB183 / AB199!
Want help contacting your legislator?
Complete this form to support Reimbursing Non Transport Care!
Summary:
Expands PTSD-related worker’s compensation eligibility to include EMS professionals and volunteer firefighters.
Why it Matters:
Mental health injuries are just as real as physical ones. EMS professionals are exposed to significant trauma and deserve equitable support.
Talking Points:
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Other first responders (police officers and career firefighters) currently have this support. Why is EMS excluded from their counterparts in public safety?
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Volunteers in EMS typically do not receive benefits (insurance, etc.) and need the proper support for the roles that they serve for their communities.
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As Wisconsin citizens, we need to support the mental health of Emergency Medical Service professionals that must endure the worst of calls that others never have to experience.
How You Can Help:
- Contact your legislator and urge them to support PTSD Coverage for all EMS professionals and volunteer firefighters.
WEMSA is currently advocating for a bill to be introduced for all EMS professionals and volunteer firefighters.
