A week ago, NAEMT members, joined by other EMS professionals from across the country, participated in our Advocacy Request to Congress asking for the “Phase 3” federal COVID-19 legislation to include direct support for EMS for priority testing, equipment, supplies and financial relief. Over 15,000 emails were sent to members of Congress. NAEMT also sent a letter to key Congressional leaders and the President outlining our needs, published a national press release describing our dire situation, and conducted interviews with national press.
The Phase 3 bill was passed by Congress and signed by the President last Friday. Unfortunately, this legislation does not provide direct funding relief or protection to our nation’s EMTs and paramedics.So, its time to turn up the volume so that Congress can clearly hear what we need!
Please ask Congress to:
- Give priority access to PPE for EMS personnel.
- Give priority to testing for EMS Personnel and their families.
- Reimburse EMTs and paramedics for the cost of daycare for EMS personnel with children.
- Reimburse all EMS agencies for overtime wages paid to employees and additional costs necessary to provide emergency medical services during the public health pandemic.
- Give priority access to EMS agencies for vital prehospital medications.
- Provide direct funding to all EMS agencies for ventilators and other needed medical equipment.
- Provide direct funding to EMS to purchase ambulances.
- Ensure all EMS personnel are covered in all applicable COVID-19 provisions by specifically including Emergency Medical Services Providers and Personnel.
TAKE ACTION NOW to advocate for the safety of you and your family, your colleagues, and your patients and to sustain your agency!
Sincerely,
Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT
President, NAEMT