Deputy Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas Named Advocacy Coordinator

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County Fire Rescue announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians National Advocacy Coordinator Consortium.

This group of EMS professionals from across the country is responsible for representing emergency medical technicians and paramedics on issues that impact the EMS work environment across the nation.

NAEMT advocacy coordinators are NAEMT members (certified or licensed EMS practitioners) who are appointed to support the association's advocacy goals by leading NAEMT advocacy efforts within their state.

"Chief Sidlauskas' appointment to this esteemed group of EMS professionals highlights our staff's commitment to excellence," said Fire Chief Scott Cassin."Furthering innovation and progress within the EMS field is critically important to providing all our patients with the highest level of care, and we are proud to be a part of NAEMT's mission."

An Advocacy Coordinator's roles and responsibilities include the following:

• Building a grassroots network of EMS advocates with the state.
• Conducting outreach to EMS professionals and encouraging participation in national EMS advocacy efforts.
• Communicating regularly with their grassroots network to provide updates on national EMS legislation and regulation.
• Communicating with U.S. senators and House representatives and their congressional office staff about the issues impacting the effective delivery of EMS to communities within the state.
• Building and maintaining good relations with elected officials in the state, the state EMS office and leadership of state EMS associations.
• Attending monthly virtual briefings. Supporting and participating in NAEMT national advocacy campaigns.
• Identifying, training and overseeing the work of assistant advocacy coordinators in their state.
• Providing quarterly reports on NAEMT advocacy efforts in the state.

"I'm humbled and honored to support my fellow EMS colleagues from the state of Florida on a grassroots mission to improve the delivery of EMS services to our community while representing Pasco County Fire Rescue," Sidlauskas said.