By Bob Katzen

This bill requires all emergency response vehicles, including ambulances, fire apparatus, police vehicles and disaster vehicles, to be equipped with emergency thermal blankets—an aluminum film blanket typically used to treat shock or hypothermia by retaining body warmth and preventing heat loss.

Supporters say that these blankets are invaluable and have saved many lives.

Sponsor Rep. Gerard Cassidy (D-Brockton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his bill.