NEW YORK — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a new bill into law to stiffen punishments for attacking EMS providers, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported.
According to the previous law, in order to file felony assault charges, it was necessary to determine that the intent of the assailant was to hinder the provider’s ability to perform his or her duties.
The new law says that any physical attack committed against an EMT or a paramedic is a felony, no matter what the intent.
“Emergency medical service paramedics and technicians are required to treat patients under extremely dangerous and stressful conditions, and deliberate, violent attacks against these public servants are, sadly, not uncommon. Therefore, EMS paramedics and technicians should be offered every protection under the law,” said state Sen. Marty Golden, who sponsored the legislation..