California Government Code

§ 8669.8

GOV § 8669.8 Effective Jan 1, 2025Div. 1 · Title 2 · Ch. 7 · Art. 23

Statute text

(a)Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, alongside and including firefighters, frequently respond to traumatic incidents and dangerous circumstances, including fires, accidents, natural disasters, and violent incidents. These situations expose them to harmful substances, such as blood and vomit, as well as witnessing severe injuries, death, and grief. EMS personnel are regularly placed in harm’s way, facing significant risks of bodily harm or physical assault while performing their duties.

(b)The high-stress working environment inherent in EMS takes a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of EMS personnel. Chronic exposure to traumatic events increases the risk of post-traumatic stress and other stress-induced injuries.

(c)Despite surviving the traumas encountered on duty, many EMS personnel experience the impacts of occupational stressors even when off duty. The psychological and emotional stress of their professions can linger, causing detrimental effects long after their shifts end.

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Legislative history

Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 744, Sec. 1. (AB 2859) Effective January 1, 2025.