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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2348 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that residents of the island of Hawaii would greatly benefit from the addition of two advanced life support ambulances to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the Puna and Makalei areas. The populations of these areas have significantly increased over the years, which has corresponded with a steady increase in calls for emergency medical services.
The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in Puna and Makalei is challenging for the communities. For many residents, primary care services are as far as thirty miles away. Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the health care access point for many residents.
Due to the lack of resources, it has become common for paramedics to respond to as many as ten calls for emergency medical transportation during a twenty-four hour shift. The potential for fatigue resulting in errors in judgment, driving, and overall safety are of great concern for personnel and residents.
The legislature further finds that new advanced life support ambulances will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii. A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals. Given the island's significant growth and aging population, two new advanced life support ambulances are needed and will be cost-effective.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish two advanced life support ambulances to be based in the Puna and Makalei areas on the island of Hawaii, including the acquisition of vehicles and equipment and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish and fund two advanced life support ambulances based in Puna and Makalei on the island of Hawaii, including the acquisition of vehicles and equipment and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulances; Appropriation
Description:
Makes an appropriation to establish and fund two advanced life support ambulances based in Puna and Makalei on the island of Hawaii, including acquisition of vehicles, equipment, and personnel costs. Effective 07/01/2050 (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.