THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2618
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to ambulances.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that residents of the island of Hawaii would greatly benefit from the addition of an advanced life support ambulances to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the Makalei area. The population of this area has significantly increased over the years, which has corresponded with a steady increase in calls for emergency medical services.

The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in Makalei is challenging for the community. For many residents, primary care services are as far as thirty miles away. Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the health care access point for many residents.

Due to the lack of resources, it has become common for paramedics to respond to as many as ten calls for emergency medical transportation during a twenty-four hour shift. The potential for fatigue resulting in errors in judgment, driving, and overall safety are of great concern for personnel and residents.

The legislature also finds that a new advanced life support ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii. A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals. Given the island's significant growth and aging population, one new advanced life support ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish one advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii, including the acquisition of a vehicle and equipment and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the emergency medical services special fund the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish and fund one advanced life support ambulance based in Malakei on the island of Hawaii, including the acquisition of the vehicle and equipment and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation to establish and fund one advanced life support ambulance based in Makalei on the island of Hawaii, including acquisition of a vehicle, equipment, and personnel costs.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.