INDIANA (WFIE) -
On Monday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill that grants trained individuals the right to perform
certain lifesaving procedures in emergency situations.
The bill, co-authored by Rep. Gail Riecken (D- Evansville), passed through the House with a 97-0 vote and will now proceed to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
The proposal gives legal authority to trained SWAT personnel to provide certain lifesaving techniques in austere and violent emergency situations.
"We want to pass this bill as soon as possible to protect Hoosiers in special
emergency situations," said Riecken. "Sometimes people are in need of medical
help but are in unsafe environments where police or other professionals cannot
enter. This legislation allows certain trained individuals in law enforcement
the legal ability to help."
The advanced life support procedures that SWAT personnel would be able to
perform would depend on the protocol of the local medical director.
According to Riecken, local law enforcement took the leadership in suggesting
this bill and offering expert testimony.
"This will improve public safety," she said. "We're working to make Indiana a
safer place."
The bill was also authored by Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Mount Vernon).
For more information, go to the Indiana House Democrats website.
You also can contact Riecken at her Statehouse
office at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Her office can be
contacted toll free at 1-800-382-9842, or via email at H77@in.gov.
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