Several Evansville first responders will travel to Indianapolis today to witness Governor Pence sign HB 1111. The bill will be signed into law at the Statehouse at 3:15pm, Indianapolis time.
HB 1111 is a unique bill that will give individuals trained in tactical emergency medicine the recognition and legality to perform in immediate life-saving circumstances. These individuals include members of the SWAT team who are trained to handle these kinds of situations.
The first responders, who have been trained to handle critical active shooter situations, are currently not recognized or able to legally perform these life-saving skills. HB 1111 will give these individuals the green light to use their skills to immediately and appropriately act in times of distress.
The bill allows for the practice of tactical emergency medicine if the individual:
1. is an emergency medical technician, an advanced emergency medical technician, or a paramedic;
2. is employed by a law enforcement agency or an emergency medical services agency to provide retrieval and field medical treatment to victims of violent confrontations; and
3. has successfully completed an accredited educational training program in tactical emergency medicine.
The bill was crafted by EPD Officers Lenny Reed, Ryan Winters, Mike Ward, and EFD Firefighter Eric Gentry. The bill was introduced by Representative Wendy McNamara.
