Congress makes it easier for cross-border emergency cooperation

[MaineDem]

Source: Portland Press Herald

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A bill passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress could make it easier for emergency responders in the northeastern United States and Canada to respond to major crises in the other country.

The International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum provides the legal framework for such assistance and covers issues such as training, liability and the licensing of professionals, such as physicians, to work in the other country.

"This is huge for a large-scale emergency," said Vermont Emergency Management Director Barbara Farr.

But the memorandum will not make it easier for fire departments or ambulance crews from border communities in one country to respond to a local emergency in the other.

Read more: http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D8TK3CEG1-351.html

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The memorandum is designed to help respond to major man-made or natural disasters such as plane crashes or storms when scores or hundreds of skilled professionals could be needed quickly in the other country.

[Solon]

1. Emergency vehicles, of any sort, shouldn't be stopped at the border, period...

If the closest hospital is in another country, then that shouldn't be a barrier for for patients.