South Dakota bills to ease EMS staffing pass committee, allowing nurses and first responders to assist with emergency care and transport.

Two South Dakota bills to address emergency medical staffing shortages passed a legislative committee with bipartisan support. HB 1023 would grant liability protection to registered and practical nurses working in ambulances, allowing them to provide care within their training. HB 1024 would expand who can legally drive ambulances to include firefighters and law enforcement officers who complete CPR and six hours of training. Both measures aim to ease rural EMS challenges, improve response efficiency, and support recruitment amid an aging workforce, with the average EMT age at 51. The bills now advance to the full House.