§ 53-2d-209. Regional Emergency Medical Services Liaisons -- Qualifications -- Duties.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Liaison" means a regional emergency medical services liaison hired under this section. (b) "Rural county" means a county of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class. (2) The department, in consultation with the bureau, shall hire five individuals to serve as regional emergency medical services liaisons to: (a) serve the needs of rural counties in providing emergency medical services in accordance with this chapter; (b) act as a liaison between the bureau and individuals or entities responsible for emergency medical services in rural counties, including: (i) emergency medical services providers; (ii) local officials; and (iii) local health departments or agencies; (c) provide support and training to emergency medical services providers in rural counties; (d) assist rural counties in utilizing state and federal grant programs for financing emergency medical services; and (e) serve as emergency medical service personnel to assist licensed providers with ambulance staffing needs within rural counties. (3) Each liaison hired under Subsection (2): (a) shall reside in a rural county; and (b) shall be licensed as: (i) an advanced emergency medical technician as defined in Section 53-2e-101; or (ii) a paramedic as defined in Section 53-2e-101. (4) The bureau shall provide each liaison with a vehicle and other equipment.