EMS Licensure

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

While sorting out his wife's death in the collision of her car and an ambulance, Gregg Theune came across a single sentence he can't forget and wants to change.

"The ambulance shall be driven by an individual with a valid driver's license."

In a chapter of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, between the sections governing all-terrain vehicles and amusement rides, are the laws concerning ambulance service in the state. The part covering drivers vexes Theune because he thinks the single sentence is too simple.

"I was shocked to learn that no specialized training or certification is required to drive an ambulance," Theune explained. "Only a valid driver's license is needed.

"It's no different than someone who delivers pizzas."