State Representative Dave Prestin is introducing new legislation to give small ambulance services more flexibility in providing care to rural communities. House Bill 5249 would create what’s called an Adaptive Care License  allowing basic life-support ambulance services to operate at a higher level of care, known as Limited Advanced Life Support, when properly staffed and equipped. Prestin, a longtime volunteer first responder and paramedic from Cedar River, says the change would help small departments provide critical care on the way to the hospital  care they’re already trained to deliver but restricted from performing under current state law. Right now, ambulance services in Michigan must offer their designated level of care around the clock, seven days a week. Prestin says that rule makes it nearly impossible for small or rural agencies to upgrade service, even part-time. He says his bill would modernize those regulations so emergency crews in the U.P. and across Michigan can save lives without state rules standing in the way.