Legislation to affect paramedic jobs in Boston

Posted on March 4, 2019

New legislation will affect paramedic jobs in Boston.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined law enforcement and elected officials for a ceremonial bill signing for S.2633, An Act relative to critical incident intervention by emergency service providers.

This bill established a privilege for communications by first responders who, after witnessing traumatic events, seek out their peers for crisis intervention services.

This will ensure law enforcement officers are able to confide in their peers about their experiences without fear of the conversation being used against them in employment decisions or subsequent court proceedings.

“Providing law enforcement officers with the ability to confidentially seek guidance from their peers will help them cope with the events they experience in the line of duty,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are thankful for the Legislature and law enforcement for their advocacy on this bill to increase support for services and reduce stigma around mental health issues.”

“Our administration is grateful for the Commonwealth’s first responders who put their lives on the line each day for their communities, and we are pleased to sign this bill affording them additional protection when they seek mental health counseling,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

“First responders put their own safety on the line to help those in need, and we need to be conscious of the mental toll that their demanding and critically important work can take,” said Public Safety Secretary Tom Turco. “This law is designed to encourage first responders to seek the assistance they may need, from peers who understand what they are going through, without the worry that doing so may damage their employment status or stigmatize them.”