SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) on Tuesday unveiled the Emergency Medical Service Workers Bill of Rights during an event at the State Capitol.

Assembly Bill 263 (Rodriguez) will provide thousands of EMS workers critical to the infrastructure of California’s healthcare system with adequate workplace protections. These rights include rest and meal breaks, protections against assault while on duty, and critical access to mental healthcare after being exposed to severe trauma.

Assemblymember Rodriguez said the following: “Today, EMS workers across the state don’t have adequate rest and meal breaks, protections against violence in the workplace, or access to mental health care. As a legislator and EMT of over 30 years, I am obligated and proud to stand up and speak out for thousands of hard working individuals who are integral to our healthcare system. The EMS Workers Bill of Rights will make meaningful changes to the emergency service worker industry that has long been ignored and exploited.”

Researchers at UC Berkeley and UCLA found that the majority of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are privately employed and receive 39 percent less in wages than public sector counterparts. They also found that EMTs suffer disproportionately from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicide. Company policies also make it virtually impossible for EMTs sometimes working 16+ hour shifts, to take uninterrupted rest and meal breaks.

Click here to access the UC Labor Center white paper, photographs, a Fact Sheet, and find additional information.

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana. He is Chair of The Assembly Committee on Public Employees, Retirement, and Social Security.