WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1818, the Veterans EMT Support Act, Thursday.

The legislation assists military medic veterans to efficiently transition their military medical training into the civilian workforce and addresses the shortage of EMTs.



The bill is a key legislative priority of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, as well as other national and state EMS organizations. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program for states with a shortage of EMTs to develop a streamlined transition program for trained military medics to meet state EMT licensure requirements.

"I'm proud to see H.R. 1818 pass the House with such strong bipartisan support. The Veteran EMT Support Act is a common sense bill that helps veterans transition into civilian careers, improve public health, and ensure communities have first responders to answer challenging emergency calls like opioid overdoses. Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Capps for her strong support and advocacy of this bill," Rep. Adam Kinzinger said.



Rep. Lois Capps said the bill is an important step forward to help veterans transition back into civilian life.

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"These heroes have proven their skills on the battlefield. It is only right that we break down any artificial barriers that delay or prevent them from serving our communities here at home," Rep. Capps said.

NAEMT President Conrad Kearns said the bill’s passage is a direct result of advocacy efforts by thousands of EMS professionals and supporters.

"We applaud all who contributed to the bill's passage by visiting their representatives, by sending emails and letters requesting congressional support, or by walking the halls of our nation's Capitol during EMS On The Hill Day on April 20. Our efforts provided the momentum to achieve today's victory, and honors the bravery and sacrifice of our military veterans," Kearns said.