MADISON, WI – Today, State Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) released a statement
regarding Governor Evers veto of Senate Bill 89. The EMS Reform Bill, co-authored by Rep. Tranel and State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), would have made the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam optional for Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), which is the lowest level recognized in Wisconsin. The NREMT exam is extremely challenging, expensive and
doesn’t always test the most relevant information needed to become an EMR volunteer in Wisconsin. The NREMT exam is optional for EMRs in at least 10 other states, which include: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York.
“I’m disappointed the governor vetoed our bill. It would have made the National Registry Exam optional for Emergency Medical Responders. When we talked to our local volunteers, this was high on their
priority list,” said Rep Tranel. “We tried to communicate this to the governor and his team, but obviously it fell on deaf ears. I believe there is a large contingent of individuals that want to transition to an all paid service. Unfortunately, I don’t think that is sustainable in rural Wisconsin, and it’s also not something
we’re interested in.”
This bill was drafted for local EMS department leaders expressing their frustration in recruiting new
volunteers in their respective communities. One of the biggest hurdles individuals face, is the state’s
requirement to pass the NREMT exam in order to become an EMR. Under SB 89, EMRs would still need to pass a Department of Health Services certified training course before they would be able to be
licensed.
Groups and individuals that testified or registered in support of SB 89/AB 93 included:
∙ Angela Phillips – Hollandale EMS
∙ Donna Flannery – South Wayne First Responders
∙ Raye Walz – Elroy Area Ambulance
∙ Andy Chenous – Argyle EMS
∙ Julie Neis – Benton First Responders
∙ Sally Bauer – Hazel Green EMS
∙ Maggie Langkamp – Benton First Responders
∙ Jason Piddington – Hazel Green Area Rescue Squad
∙ Becky Trewartha – Hazel Green EMS / Benton First Responders
∙ Donna Flannery – South Wayne EMS
∙ Wisconsin Towns Association
