News : North Benton Ambulance Director leads group at EMS Day in D.C.

During the week of April 27, 2015, I traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians EMS on the Hill Day. I was fortunate to be able to attend while chaperoning a group of paramedic students from Hawkeye Community College. The purpose of this event is to encourage lawmakers to support issues important to Emergency Medical Services. This year was no exception. Hundreds of EMS providers gathered from around the country to support what is known as the Field EMS bill, Veteran EMT Support Act and encourage members of the House of Representatives to join the “EMS caucus”. H.R. 2366, H.R. 1818 and S.453. To date, all requests have been introduced to either the House of Representatives or Senate and are currently in subcommittee. The NAEMT scheduled meetings with staff members of Joni Ernst, David Loebsack, David Young and Steve King. I was very surprised to learn that Vinton native Josie Beecher works in Senator Joni Ernst's’ office and was even able to help arrange a private tour of the Capitol building! While in Washington D.C. we were able to spend a full day sightseeing visiting sites such as the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and numerous Smithsonian museums. More information regarding the NAEMTs EMS on the Hill Day can be found at http://www.naemt.org/advocacy/emsonthehillday/EMSontheHillDay.aspx