Firefighters Assisting Seniors To Emergency Response Act; FASTER Act
Summary
The Firefighters Assisting Seniors To Emergency Response Act (FASTER Act) aims to reduce falls among older adults and improve emergency response times. It authorizes grants to fire departments for implementing programs focused on home safety and fall prevention. The Act also addresses the need for quicker access to homes during emergencies and provides funding for community paramedicine personnel.
Expected Effects
The FASTER Act will likely lead to a reduction in fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults. It will also improve the efficiency of emergency response services. The Act could also lead to increased collaboration between fire departments and community healthcare providers.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.
- Improved emergency response times due to quicker access to homes.
- Enhanced home safety through modifications and risk assessments.
- Increased availability of community paramedicine services.
- Support for local fire departments in implementing fall prevention programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on FEMA in managing and overseeing the grant program.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of funds if performance metrics are not effectively implemented.
- Possible limitations on the scope of eligible activities under the grant program.
- Potential for increased reliance on federal funding, which may create challenges when the program sunsets.
- The act may not address the root causes of falls, such as underlying health conditions or social isolation.
Constitutional Alignment
The FASTER Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the well-being of senior citizens by addressing fall prevention and emergency response. The Act falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).