Bill > A01612

This bill authorizes emergency medical service (EMS) personnel, including certified first responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and advanced EMTs, to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats in emergency situations, but only when no humans require medical attention. The specific types of first aid allowed include opening and maintaining airways, providing mouth-to-mouth or barrier ventilation, administering oxygen, managing ventilation by mask, controlling bleeding, immobilizing fractures, bandaging, and administering naloxone hydrochloride under veterinary guidance. The bill requires EMS personnel to communicate with a licensed veterinarian when practicable and provides legal protections for both the EMS personnel and veterinarians who provide instruction, ensuring they cannot be held liable for damages if they act reasonably and in good faith. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with developing rules and regulations for implementing this new capability, and the law will take effect one year after being signed. This legislation aims to provide a legal framework for EMS professionals to render emergency medical assistance to animals when no human medical needs are present, potentially saving the lives of pets in critical situations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1612