(a)Purpose. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote and provide for a comprehensive and effective emergency medical services system to ensure optimum patient care.
(b)Findings. The General Assembly finds that:
(1)Emergency medical services provided by an ambulance service are essential services.
(2)The provision of medical assistance in an emergency is a matter of vital concern affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(3)Key elements of an emergency medical services system include:
(A)the provision of prompt, efficient, and effective emergency medical dispatch and emergency medical care;
(B)a well-coordinated trauma care system;
(C)effective communication between prehospital care providers and hospitals; and
(D)the safe handling and transportation, and the tre
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(a) Purpose. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote and provide for a comprehensive and effective emergency medical services system to ensure optimum patient care.
(b) Findings. The General Assembly finds that:
(1) Emergency medical services provided by an ambulance service are essential services.
(2) The provision of medical assistance in an emergency is a matter of vital concern affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(3) Key elements of an emergency medical services system include:
(A) the provision of prompt, efficient, and effective emergency medical dispatch and emergency medical care;
(B) a well-coordinated trauma care system;
(C) effective communication between prehospital care providers and hospitals; and
(D) the safe handling and transportation, and the treatment and transportation under appropriate medical guidance, of individuals who are sick or injured.
(c) Policy. It is the policy of the State of Vermont that all persons who suffer sudden and unexpected illness or injury should have access to the emergency medical services system in order to prevent loss of life or the aggravation of the illness or injury, and to alleviate suffering.
(1) The system should include competent emergency medical treatment provided by adequately trained, licensed, and equipped personnel acting under appropriate medical control.
(2) Persons involved in the delivery of emergency medical care should be encouraged to maintain and advance their levels of training and licensure, and to upgrade the quality of their vehicles and equipment. (Added 1981, No. 61; amended 2011, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; 2019, No. 100 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 14, 2020; 2023, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. June 6, 2024.)