This bill mandates that all municipalities in New Jersey provide basic life support (BLS) services, which are classified as essential. The definition of basic life support services includes pre-hospital care such as ambulance service, patient stabilization, airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, initial wound care, and fracture stabilization. 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 legislation to enhance mutual aid agreements between municipalities for BLS and first aid services during emergencies. It specifies that these agreements can include terms for payment for assistance, reimbursement for damages to equipment, and provisions for compensation to members of the BLS services for injuries sustained while serving. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2K-61