Wisconsin ambulance drivers are raising concerns about a proposal to require additional training.
Legislation from state Representative Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater) would require ambulance drivers to become certified by completing a safety course. He says those behind the wheel of a large vehicle at high rates of speed need to have a high level of training.
However, Mindy Allen with the Wisconsin EMS Association says drivers already undergo a great deal of training which does cover safety. She worries the mandate would put an extra burden on a job that’s largely filled by volunteers.
Allen says additional training could be included in existing courses, which EMTs are required to take every two years for re-certification.
Wisconsin has had 60 accidents involving an ambulance in the last five years. Two of those crashes resulted in fatalities.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:56)
