Senate Bill 182 aims to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) education and support in Wisconsin by establishing new programs for grants, tuition reimbursement, and a pilot program for real-time communication in emergency situations. The bill mandates the Technical College System Board to provide grants to technical colleges that offer EMS courses, ensuring that admission priority is not given based on the college district of residence. Additionally, the Higher Educational Aids Board is tasked with developing a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers covering tuition and materials necessary for obtaining initial certification or licensure as emergency medical responders or practitioners.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a Live 911 pilot program, which allows the Department of Military Affairs to distribute grants to facilitate real-time video and multimedia communications between public safety answering points and emergency callers. The department is also required to report annually to the legislature on the pilot program's performance, including outcomes, changes in dispatch responses, and any cost savings realized. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the training and resources available to emergency medical personnel while enhancing the efficiency of emergency response systems.