Para enmendar el Artículo 10 de la Ley Núm. 20-2017, conocida como la "Ley del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico", a los fines de añadir un nuevo inciso (k) que implemente un Programa de Paramédicos Interceptores dentro del Negociado del Cuerpo de Emergencias Médicas (CEMPR); definir los paramédicos interceptores y los servicios prehospitalarios; establecer protocolos para el despacho selectivo, entrenamiento anual obligatorio, integración con sistemas de despacho, métricas anuales de evaluación incluyendo tasas de supervivencia y eficiencia operativa, y colaboración con entidades federales; alinear con políticas públicas federales de eficiencia en servicios de emergencias; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico establishes a specialized Interceptor Paramedics Program with selective dispatch, mandatory training, and performance metrics to improve emergency response efficiency and survival rates.

Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 953 amends Puerto Rico's Public Safety Department law to establish an "Interceptor Paramedics Program" within the Emergency Medical Services Corps (CEMPR). The program would deploy specially trained paramedics for selective emergency responses, with mandatory annual training, standardized dispatch protocols, and annual performance metrics including survival rates and operational efficiency.

Why is this important

Emergency medical response efficiency directly affects patient outcomes and survival rates in life-threatening situations. This program aims to optimize resource allocation by deploying appropriately-trained personnel to different emergency types, potentially reducing response times and improving care quality while aligning with federal emergency services standards.

Potential points of contention

Cost and funding: No budget allocation specified; implementation costs for training, deployment systems, and personnel compensation are undefined

Scope of practice clarity: "Interceptor paramedics" definition and their specific duties versus standard paramedics need clear legal boundaries to prevent confusion during emergencies

Performance metrics accountability: Survival rate metrics depend on multiple factors beyond paramedic control; unclear how these will be measured fairly and whether poor metrics trigger intervention mechanisms

Federal coordination requirements: Collaboration mandates with federal entities lack specifics on funding responsibility, decision-making authority, and potential loss of local autonomy