The EMS Counts Act directs the U.S. Department of Labor to update how it classifies and counts emergency medical services workers in the Standard Occupational Classification System. Currently, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics fails to accurately count dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as EMS personnel, which creates an incomplete picture of the nation's emergency response workforce. The bill requires the Secretary of Labor to revise occupational classifications within 120 days of enactment to properly include these dual-role workers. Additionally, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress within 270 days explaining past efforts to separate EMT and paramedic counts and describing how the new classifications have been implemented. Accurate workforce data is crucial for government agencies to plan for emergencies, public health crises, natural disasters, and other disasters, making this reclassification important for national preparedness and policy decisions.
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