April 29, 2021
State Rep. Dan Swanson has sights set on boosting rural EMT recruitment. The Republican from Alpha is sponsoring a bill that allows exceptions to the EMT credentialing process in rural areas. Basically, it would let nurses, physicians assistants and APN’s with active licenses serve as volunteers, and be able to do the same work as certified EMTs. Swanson says, “rural areas often struggle with finding volunteer EMTs but may have several people in their community capable of serving in this capacity if we allow for this efficiency.” Several lawmakers from neighboring districts that are largely rural joined Swanson as co-sponsors, including Reps. C.D. Davidsmeyer, Avery Bourne and Norine Hammond. The Illinois House passed unanimously last Thursday and has been sent to the Senate Assignments Committee. Swanson credits Dahinda/Oak Run Fire District Chief Jack Johnson and Amboy Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Bryant for giving him the idea for this legislation.