HB 1977 Summary

• Requires all basic life support ambulances and stretcher vans in Missouri to be equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and staffed by at least one individual trained in AED use.

• Allows ambulance districts to adopt laws, ordinances, or regulations requiring basic life support ambulances to have AEDs and trained staff.

• Establishes the "Public Access to Automated External Defibrillator Act" requiring persons or entities acquiring AEDs to ensure user training, proper maintenance, physician review of clinical protocols, and notification to emergency services of AED locations.

• Adds emergency medical technician-intermediate (EMT-I) to supervision and licensing requirements throughout Missouri's emergency medical services regulations.

• Permits only emergency medical response agencies, fire departments, and fire protection districts to provide certain advanced life support services with EMT-I personnel, requiring collaboration with paramedic-level ambulance services.