New Ill. law gives rural ambulance services more staffing flexibility

By Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree
Jacksonville Journal-Courier

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A new law gives rural ambulance services the ability to staff their services with part-time employees to meet the need in their communities.

House Bill 5446 was sponsored by State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R- Murrayville, and State Sen. Steve McClure, R- Springfield, to provide flexibility in rural ambulance agencies.

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“Staffing limitations may lead to long wait times for individuals in an emergency and in need of an ambulance,” Davidsmeyer said. “By allowing rural areas flexibility in staffing ambulances, they can improve response time and get the patient to a hospital faster.”

Staffing requirements under the previous law proved difficult for some rural agencies. The new law allows part-time and on-call employees to help cover services during times with a higher number of calls.

“When people have a medical emergency, ambulances provide a crucial link to get them treatment quickly, whether the patient is in an urban or rural setting,” McClure said. “This legislation updates staffing requirements to make sure that in rural areas, ambulance crews can remain in service and continue saving lives.”

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