Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. announced recently that legislation he sponsored was signed into law by Governor Pataki and will help recruit and retain emergency medical technician (EMT) volunteers. According to Fuschillo, this new law will extend the recertification time of EMTs from three to five years as a pilot program throughout 2008 in Nassau, Suffolk and other counties throughout the state. The five-year recertification would apply only to EMTs or advanced EMTs who have continuously held their current certifications.

According to Fuschillo, the New York State EMS Council recently increased the number of hours to become a certified EMT, making it difficult to recruit and retain volunteers. "In 1998 there was a loss of nearly 1,000 EMT volunteers statewide," said Howard Callman, EMS coordinator, Merrick Fire Department and chairman, New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association. "This new law will allow volunteer EMTs who remain active and have valuable field experience to extend their certification period."

"EMTs serve a valuable volunteer service in our community, helping residents in emergency medical situations and saving lives," Fuschillo said. "We must continue to examine ways that will help recruit and retain EMT volunteers in our communities."