STATEHOUSE — House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1111, which deals with tactical emergency medicine, was signed into law today by Governor Pence. State Representative Wendy McNamara (R-Mount Vernon) authored the measure along with co-author, State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler).
With the enactment of this law, trained SWAT professionals will have the authority to use their tactical medical skills during an emergency when EMTs have not yet arrived. The SWAT team will now have the go ahead to act instead of waiting for others to assist them.
“It can be difficult to fully prepare for an emergency, but providing trained professionals with the authority to assist when needed is a great start,†said Rep. McNamara. “This legislation will give trained SWAT officers the ability to use their tactical emergency medicine skills instead of waiting for EMTs to arrive.â€
HEA 1111 allows an individual to practice 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.
“In Indiana, there are many qualified people who have received tactical emergency medicine training but, due to inconsistencies, they cannot use these skills to the full extent of their capability,†said Rep. Bacon. “This legislation seeks to allow for the use of tactical emergency medicine by setting three guidelines in order to do so.â€
“Time is of the essence during emergencies and can make the difference between life and death. I am glad to see this legislation become law as a means to save lives in case of dire circumstances,†said Rep. McNamara.
HEA 1111 will be enacted July 1, 2013. To learn more about this bill and others, visit www.in.gov/legislative.
