This bill mandates that all municipalities in New Jersey provide basic life support (BLS) services, which are defined as essential services necessary to meet the healthcare needs of their populations. The bill outlines that BLS includes a range of pre-hospital care services such as patient stabilization, airway clearance, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Municipalities can fulfill this requirement by various means, including licensing private companies, contracting with public or nonprofit entities, entering mutual aid agreements with other municipalities, or collaborating with hospitals.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the provisions for mutual aid agreements between municipalities, specifically including BLS services and first aid assistance in emergencies. It also stipulates that hospitals with Level 1 trauma centers have the right of first refusal to provide both advanced and basic life support services in their municipalities, provided these services are offered at no charge. The bill is set to take effect seven months after its enactment.

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