Relates to the training of police officers and firefighters with respect to persons with disabilities and hearing-impaired people

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends the general municipal law by adding a new section 209-ff to require training for police officers and firefighters with respect to persons with disabilities.

Sub-section (1) (a). Provides that the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in consultation with the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and developmental. Disabilities along with disability advocacy groups shall review the training course entitled "persons with Disabilities" under the "Basic Course" to make necessary modifications to include additional information on developmental disabilities and hearing impairments. Further, that the training course be administered by the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, created under article forty-five of the mental hygiene law, as part of the in-service training provided to police officers.

Subsection (1) (b). Provides that every local police officer shall complete the above-mentioned training course and that every police officer appointed prior to the effective date of this law shall complete the course within thirty-six months.

Subsection (2) (a). Provides that the State Fire Administrator of the Office of Fire Prevention and Control in consultation with the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and developmental Disabilities along with disability advocacy groups shall adapt training programs in accordance with (1) (a) above within sixteen months.

Subsection (2) (b), Provides that all individuals engaged in fire suppression, fire fighting, or fire rescue shall complete training as part of their continuing education requirements at least every thirty six months.

Section 2. Amends the public health law by adding a new section 3054 in relation to the training of emergency responders with respect to persons with disabilities.

Subsection (1). Provides that the Director of the New York State Health Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in consultation with the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities along with disability

advocacy groups shall adapt training programs in accordance with (1) (a) above within eighteen months.

Subsection (2). Requires training pursuant to 209-ff (1) (a) above prior to certification of every advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician or first responder by the Health Department. Subsection (3). Requires training that is substantially similar to the training mandated under 209-ff (1) (a) above prior to recertification of every advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician or first responder by the Health Department. This section also provides that no advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician or first responder shall be exempt from this requirement for and reason, certification or test score.

Section 3. Sets forth the effective date.

Justification

Individuals with developmental disabilities comprise about 1.5% of the entire population of the United States and they rely on first responders (police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians) in emergency situations. In fact, an individual with a developmental disability is approximately seven times more likely to come into contact with a first responder. without proper training for first responders, the emergency needs of these individuals may not be properly served, and an emergency situation can escalate leading to an unnecessary fear, injury or even death. Standard protocols cannot always be used because of communication and comprehension barriers, differences in danger perception or sensitivity to pain and physical contact.

When emergency situations arise, it is essential that first responders have the appropriate skill set so that persons with developmental disabilities will receive proper assistance. Therefore, specialized training is necessary to ensure New York's first responders are capable of identifying individuals with developmental disabilities and communicating in an appropriate and effective manner in response to the particular emergency situation. This legislation will ensure New York's first responders receive that training by adding to existing training and re-certification requirements.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.