Legislation aims to provide funding to community colleges to train first responders

Legislation aims to provide funding to community colleges to train first responders

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- Everyday volunteer firefighters rush to answer the call for help across the Commonwealth even though many struggle with funding and numbers. State Representative Tim Brennan and Kristin Marcell are attempting to secure funding for much-needed training. Funding for first responder training was discontinued decades ago, leaving community colleges to subsidize these essential programs at a financial loss. Without stable…

PA Senate passes bill to establish Firefighter Training Pilot Program for high school students, job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification - Around Ambler

The Senate Education Committee passed on Tuesday Senate Bill 470, which proposes the establishment of a Firefighter Training Pilot Program for high school students. The legislation would integrate firefighter training into high school curricula with the intent to foster interest in emergency services and boost the dwindling number of volunteer firefighters across Pennsylvania. “If we want to ensure the future of our local fire departments, we ne…

Turner measure to improve training for emergency medical dispatchers passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to mandate training for emergency medical dispatchers on how to provide CPR instructions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. “We are losing too many of our friends and family to heart disease,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Ensuring that our emergency dispatchers are well-equipped to handle these situations will save lives.” Senate Bill 1295 would mandate all 911 telecommunicators…

New SC bill aims to equip first responders with autism awareness for safer interactions - ABC Columbia

(WCIV) — A team of bipartisan state lawmakers is prioritizing autism education for all South Carolina first responders. A bill at the State House would require neurodiversity training for all police officers, firefighters and EMS. Rep. Kathy Landing is a vocal sponsor. She said the legislation is a crucial next step in making sure public safety serves all types of people. The first step, Landing says, was passed last year and dubbed ‘Rio’s Law.’…

Dr. Velázquez highlighted the importance of inclusion and the commitment of parents to provide their children with the necessary tools for their development.