Posted: | February 18, 2014 01:22 PM |
---|---|
From: | Senator Christine M. Tartaglione |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Co-Sponsorship of Resolution: EMS Training for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would ensure our Emergency Service Providers (EMS) receive training to recognize and interact with veterans and other individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. A similar provision applicable to Municipal Police Officer Training was included in Act 165 of 2012 Under my proposal, the Department of Health would be required to develop a training program in consultation with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other community, local or state organizations and agencies that have expertise in the area of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The training would be provided to EMS service providers and EMS service agencies. It is estimated that PTSD and/or TBI affect up to 20% of the current class of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. These figures do not include veterans of other conflicts who may be suffering from one or both of these conditions, as well. I believe it is imperative that our EMS providers have the proper training to address situations where PTSD and TBI may be a factor. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as SB1141