Proposal Relaxes Requirements For Emergency Dispatchers

Portland, OR (KXL) — According to a policy proposal by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, emergency dispatchers may not be required to get training in First Aid or how to perform CPR.

If approved, this change would make it so that emergency dispatchers in Oregon do not have to get First Aid or CPR training in order to be certified.

Critics worry about cases where a dispatcher may be required to talk someone through First Aid or CPR over the phone.

DPSST has released the proposal for public comment.

The last day to submit your written comments on this proposed change is March 21st.  A meeting on this proposal is scheduled for March 19th.