S.B. 302 Summary

• Establishes a six-tier grant priority system for emergency medical services, with first priority given to EMS organizations for training, equipment, and vehicles, and sixth priority (through June 30, 2017) given to paramedic training programs seeking national accreditation.

• Requires ambulances to be staffed by at least one EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate, or paramedic during emergency runs to the scene, and requires ambulance drivers to hold certification as a first responder, EMT, or paramedic or a fire training certificate.

• Specifies different staffing requirements for patient transport based on whether the EMS organization uses primarily paid staff (minimum two EMTs/paramedics) or substantially utilizes volunteers (minimum two EMTs/paramedics or one first responder plus one EMT/paramedic).

• Defines "substantially utilizing volunteers" as when paid individuals are scheduled for no more than 168 hours per week and clarifies that an emergency run consists of travel to the scene and patient transport from the scene.

• Repeals section 4765.431 and amends sections 4765.07, 4765.43, and 4766.03 of the Revised Code to implement these changes.