Emergency dispatchers will now have access to many of the same services and benefits as other first responders.Legislation sponsored by State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) and State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) was signed into law late last week. In a statement, Swanson said, “Emergency medical dispatchers are critical members of the response teams and this law recognizes the importance of the role they play in helping save lives during a crisis.”
Senate Bill 3127 amends existing state laws to include “Emergency Medical Dispatchers” as first responders. This will allow dispatchers to be recognized as first responders, enabling them to receive many of the same services and benefits. The new law recognizes not only the role that dispatchers play, but the fact that many of them face the same issues as other responders, including post-traumatic stress disorders and other issues. Sen. Anderson said, emergency dispatchers “are the first step in the process of responding to emergencies and should be recognized as such.” The legislation passed the Illinois House and Senate unanimously. It was signed into law by the Governor on Friday and goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
