Life happens. Health crises don’t always give advance notice of their arrival. There are times when we find our own lives and the lives of those we love in jeopardy without warning. It is in these moments when the services provided by emergency medical service personnel are necessary and indispensable. These heroic and crucial members of our community willingly walk into danger to save lives without a second thought, knowing that their own safety could be at risk. As a legislator, it is my duty to ensure that they have the support they need to thrive in their profession and in their lives.

Yet, our state is facing a shortage of EMS personnel that threatens the safety of our communities. All across the state, emergency medical service professionals are struggling to make ends meet while dedicating their time to providing essential, life-saving services. In fact, Maine EMS departments have lost nearly 20 percent of their personnel since 2013, demonstrating the severity of the situation across the state. The longer response time caused by the growing shortage could mean the difference between life and death. As a registered nurse-midwife, I understand the stress that such a staffing shortage causes on those who contribute more of their time to compensate, especially in a career that has such high stakes. There are those who work 60-70 hours to continue saving lives. When we are not able to provide EMS workers a livable compensation, the consequences can be catastrophic.

To find ways to solve the issues facing EMS departments throughout the state, the Legislature passed LD 1988, “An Act to Establish that the Provision of Emergency Medical Services by an Ambulance Service is an Essential Service and To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in the State.” On Jan. 13, the EMS Blue Ribbon Commission, co-chaired by Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, and Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, issued its final report, which describes numerous recommendations for improving emergency services. The report proposes to allocate $70 million toward the delivery of EMS services, which includes transporting patients and providing on-site treatment and triage. Additionally, the Commission recommends fully funding the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), an important program that rewards firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, including volunteers, for serving their communities by contributing to their retirement program. The Commission also suggests providing access to health benefits for non-municipal, licensed EMS services.