§ 1003.26. Rescue personnel.

 (a)  Basic rescue practices technician.

   (1)  Roles and responsibilities. A basic rescue practices technician is an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform rescue skills in accordance with the basic rescue practices course approved by the Department. A basic rescue practices technician utilizes basic tools and equipment of the rescue service to perform a safe and efficient rescue operation.

   (2)  Training programs. Basic rescue practices technician training programs will be approved by the Department.

   (3)  Minimum qualifications. A basic rescue practices technician shall successfully complete a training program for basic rescue practices approved by the Department and shall successfully complete a written basic rescue practices test administered by the Department.

 (b)  Basic vehicle rescue technician.

   (1)  Roles and responsibilities. A basic vehicle rescue technician is an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform rescue skills in accordance with the basic vehicle rescue course approved by the Department. That program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the rescue of persons involved in automobile accidents.

   (2)  Training programs. Basic vehicle rescue technician training programs will be approved by the Department.

   (3)  Minimum qualifications. A basic vehicle rescue technician shall complete a training program for basic vehicle rescue approved by the Department, and shall successfully complete a written examination for basic vehicle rescue developed by the Department and administered by the Department.

 (c)  Special vehicle rescue technician.

   (1)  Roles and responsibilities. A special vehicle rescue technician is an individual certified by the Department as possessing the training and skills to perform rescues in accordance with the specialized rescue training course approved by the Department.

   (2)  Training programs. Specialized rescue training programs will be approved by the Department.

   (3)  Minimum qualifications. An individual shall complete a training program approved by the Department for a specific level of specialized vehicle rescue performance, and also shall successfully complete a written examination developed by the Department and administered by the Department.

 (d)  Rescue instructor. The Department will develop a program providing for the certification of rescue instructors. Courses that seek Department approval as a rescue training course shall be taught by certified rescue instructors.

 (e)  Certificates. The rescue technician certifications issued by the Department under this section do not constitute a legal prerequisite to performing rescues. The rescue instructor certifications issued by the Department under this section do not constitute a legal prerequisite to serving as a rescue instructor in programs other than rescue training courses approved by the Department. The Department approves the rescue programs and issues the certifications referenced within this section to promote the Statewide EMS system having an adequate number of personnel with sufficient training and skills to perform rescues.

   The provisions of this §  1003.26 amended October 13, 2000, effective October 14, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 5363. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256627) to (256629).