Editorial Lambasts California for Lacking Law Requiring Firefighters To Be Certified EMTs
California lacks a statewide requirement for firefighters to have emergency medical training beyond CPR and first aid, which "is a public health hazard," a Los Angeles Times editorial argues. The editorial notes that state Sen. Isadore Hall III (D-Compton) has "backed away" from "promised legislation to require all California firefighters to maintain current EMT certification," and is "working to achieve the same goal through a policy change at CalFire, which oversees firefighter training." The editorial concludes, "Californians shouldn't have to wonder whether the people responding to their emergency medical calls are properly trained and certified to render the lifesaving care they need."
- "Setting a California Standard for EMT Certification in Fire Departments" (Los Angeles Times, 8/6).