This bill mandates that all municipalities in New Jersey provide basic life support (BLS) services, which are classified as essential services. The definition of basic life support service includes a range of pre-hospital care activities such as patient stabilization, airway clearance, and initial wound care. Municipalities can fulfill this requirement by various means, including licensing private companies, contracting with public or nonprofit entities, forming mutual aid agreements with other municipalities, or collaborating with hospitals.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to enhance the framework for mutual aid agreements between municipalities, specifically regarding the provision of BLS and first aid services during emergencies. It outlines terms for payment and reimbursement for damages or injuries incurred while providing assistance. The bill also clarifies that hospitals with Level 1 trauma centers have the right to provide both advanced and basic life support services, provided they do so at no cost to the municipality and that the municipality does not already offer these services. The act will take effect seven months after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2K-61, 26:2K-12.1