Bill > SR72

This Resolution urges the counties of Hawaii to officially recognize 911 emergency services dispatchers as first responders within their jurisdictions. This means acknowledging that these dispatchers, who are the initial point of contact for emergency calls and are crucial in relaying information to law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel in the field, perform duties comparable to other recognized first responders like police officers and firefighters. The resolution also calls for updating job classifications to reflect this first responder status, recognizing the immense stress, critical decision-making, and specialized training involved in their vital role, which often involves handling traumatic situations and can significantly impact the outcome of emergencies.