A bill that would improve the accuracy of federal data involving firefighters and EMS workers has been reintroduced to Congress.
The EMS Counts Act, which is sponsored by U.S. Reps. Fred Keller (R-PA) and Susan Wild (D-PA), would address "the chronic miscounting" of firefighters and EMS personnel, a press release about the bipartisan legislation stated. Keller and Wild had originally introduced the bill in October.
Under the act, the Secretary of Labor would be required to change the classification system that divides the job category of firefighter. Four sub-categories would allow firefighters to identify as cross-trained EMS workers in order to provide an accurate count of trained EMS professionals in communities around the country.
“Current occupational data collection methods often overlook the fact that emergency personnel, especially in rural communities, are tasked with performing multiple duties to keep the public safe," Keller said in a statement. "As a result, these departments are missing out on much needed support because of incomplete data."
According to Wild, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of accurate data concerning these jobs. The information generated by the legislation will allow communities to better prepare for emergencies down the road.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have seen this diverse group of health care practitioners step up to serve our communities in inspiring and selfless ways, and making sure we have an accurate count of these first responders will help us meet the health and safety needs of our communities through this crisis and in future emergencies," she added.
Calling the act a "foundational bill," Bruce Evans, president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), praised the lawmakers for bringing the bill back before Congress. He hoped the legislation would be passed "in short order" this second time around.
"As our EMS colleagues in every community across the nation continue to be the tip of the spear on responding to COVID and all other calls, the EMS Counts Act is critical to accurately count our EMS personnel as the Government is looking at these numbers for such things as vaccine distribution for first responders," he said.
The full EMS Counts Act can be read here.
