Parental Leave and Lactation Policy for EMS Clinicians - A position statement and resource document of NAEMSP

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) believe in an evidence-based and pragmatic approach to promoting a healthy emergency medical services (EMS) workforce and work environment. All EMS clinicians have the right to grow and care for families, should they choose. NAEMSP and NAEMT recommend:EMS leaders should be aware of basic clinical benefits as well as state and federal regulations regarding parental leave. Paid parental leave is essential for all EMS clinicians and should include maintenance of full benefits and 100% pay for at least twelve (12) weeks.EMS leaders should be aware of the clinical benefits of breast milk and current federal regulations for lactating employees. Current federal regulations include adequate time and a clean, private space to express breast milk at reasonable intervals, during working hours.EMS leaders should work with EMS agencies to develop policies that support lactating employees when they return to work. EMS leaders should be aware of basic clinical benefits as well as state and federal regulations regarding parental leave. Paid parental leave is essential for all EMS clinicians and should include maintenance of full benefits and 100% pay for at least twelve (12) weeks. EMS leaders should be aware of the clinical benefits of breast milk and current federal regulations for lactating employees. Current federal regulations include adequate time and a clean, private space to express breast milk at reasonable intervals, during working hours. EMS leaders should work with EMS agencies to develop policies that support lactating employees when they return to work.