On January 16, 2020 Illinois appointed Ashley Thoele, MBA BSN RN as the newest head of the state's Division of EMS. This position oversees all prehospital care in the state of Illinois. The announcement highlighted the extensive experience this individual has within the healthcare field as well as an extensive education, including emphasis on executive leadership. However the most important qualification to truly understand the prehospital environment was missing, they are NOT a licensed Paramedic.

A Paramedic is the highest level of prehospital provider. Paramedic education requires over 1,100 hours of education all focused on the prehospital assessment, management, and treatment of patients. While there is no doubt that the new division chief has experience, Paramedic education and prehospital work experience give a unique point of view to the challenges of the profession.

Illinois is one of a handful of states that has a Prehospital Registered Nurse (PHRN) level within EMS. This level allows a Registered Nurse (RN) to practice prehospitally at the full scope of a Paramedic after completing a 40-hour course. Until 2018 no testing was even required at the end of this course to earn this licensure. In fact currently PHRN candidates are required to complete "10 ALS runs" on an ambulance, while Paramedic students complete close to 500 hours of equivalent time. The new Division Chief does hold this licensure, however being a PHRN does not provide the same prehospital experience as Paramedic education and work experience.

While this petition is not doubting the ability of the current EMS Division Chief, it is important that leaders understand the circumstances of those that they lead. There is no doubt a great number of qualified Paramedics who are qualified and eager to lead the Division of EMS. Sign this petition asking that Illinois require the EMS Division Chief to hold a current Paramedic license.