EMT workers seek workers' comp

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100208/NEWS01/702099977/0/garcher

Published Monday February 8, 2010

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Emergency workers from across Nebraska recalled traumatizing accident scenes when asking for a new level of workers' compensation coverage.

During a legislative hearing on Monday at the Capitol, the emergency workers said they had difficulty recovering from seeing the aftermath of the fatal accidents.

One of the men testifying said a co-worker responded to an accident where his wife had died.

The bill (LB780) would allow first responders who get “mental injuries” or mental illnesses from extraordinary work conditions to get workers' compensation. Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed a similar bill two years ago.

The city of Omaha, the Nebraska League of Municipalities and business groups oppose the bill.

If blood bothers you, you probably shouldn't be an EMT.