Rep. O’Brien: Legislators and stakeholders meet to advance EMS in Indiana
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) recently convened a roundtable with legislators and key personnel from around the state to discuss important issues regarding emergency medical services.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security released a report in accordance with House Enrolled Act 1302 from the 2024 legislative session, which O’Brien authored. The report includes a comprehensive overview of the status of EMS services across the state. The survey received participation from 97% of counties, which included data on organizational type, funding, staffing and service coverage.
“The Indiana Department of Homeland Security report has provided us with key data to better understand EMS services in our state,” O’Brien said. “I was proud to author the law requiring this study. Our Hoosier EMTs and paramedics are heroes, and we need to continue to support them. This report helps us strengthen our local EMS services while identifying and addressing the issues they’re facing.”
The report discovered the state’s primary EMS providers are volunteer fire departments at 34% with paid fire departments accounting for 19%. These departments’ primary source of funding is from the government, which accounts for approximately 70%. The typical response time for EMS providers to the farthest point in their service area is 10 to 20 minutes, with some responders taking 30 minutes or more. The report also found significant variation in EMS staffing levels across districts, notable gaps in basic and advanced life support services across counties including no coverage in some townships, and low wages and retirement benefits as primary challenges in recruiting and retaining EMS workers.
O’Brien, along with other legislators, met with personnel and EMS personnel from across the state to discuss potential solutions. Their discussion consisted of making sure all Hoosiers can access EMS services in a timely manner, addressing service gaps, and recruiting and retaining EMS personnel.
O’Brien said he will use the roundtable discussion for potential legislation in the 2025 legislative session, which begins Jan. 8 and must conclude by April 29. Hoosiers can follow session proceedings at iga.in.gov, where they can find information on proposed legislation and watch livestreams of committee hearings and session.