The most recent session of the Wisconsin State Assembly passed several pieces of legislation, not least of which was SB143, a bill which creates flexibility in ambulance staffing requirements, thus making it easy for rural communities to maintain ambulance service. State Rep. Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg) was a co-sponsor of this bill.

“When there’s a medical crisis, minutes matter,” remarked Brooks. “The old ambulance staffing requirements created unnecessary hurdles for rural ambulances services that are critical to our communities in rural areas. Under the new law, the quality of emergency medical care will be maintained, while access should be improved.”

The legislation passed the Assembly in a voice vote, which now must be approved by the Senate, likely in a session later this month. From there, the legislation will go to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk for his signature.