Emergency services: first responders.

Under existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, the Governor is authorized to proclaim a state of emergency, as defined, under specified circumstances. The California Emergency Services Act also authorizes the governing body of a city, county, city and county, or an official designated by ordinance adopted by that governing body, to proclaim a local emergency, as defined. The act authorizes certain training programs for first responders relating to states of emergency, including hazardous substance and terrorism incidents. This bill would, for purposes of the act, define "first responder" as an employee of the state or a local public agency who provides emergency response services, including a peace officer, a firefighter, a paramedic, an emergency medical technician, rescue service personnel, including an open water lifeguard or harbor patrol officer, or an emergency manager.