Legislation authored by O’Brien to recognize EMS
as essential services moves through committee
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2025) – The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee unanimously passed a bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) that would recognize emergency medical services, including ambulances, as essential.
House Bill 1454 would formally recognize EMS as an essential public service, similar to police and fire departments. O’Brien said this classification underscores the importance of EMS providers in public health and safety, helping to improve access and support for life-saving care across the state.
“Emergency medical services are one of the first to show up in a crisis, yet they don’t always receive the recognition or resources they need,” O’Brien said. “By establishing EMS as an essential service, we can strengthen support for these providers and ensure Hoosiers have reliable access to emergency care when they need it most.”
O’Brien authored a law last year to have the Indiana Department of Homeland Security conduct a comprehensive overview of EMS services across the state. The report 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 said HB 1454 would address these issues and require county commissioners to identify underserved areas and establish county emergency ambulance services in those communities.
HB 1454 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
