(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Liaison" means a regional emergency medical services liaison hired under this section.
(b) "Rural county" means a county of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class.
(2) The department, in consultation with the bureau, shall hire five individuals to serve as regional emergency medical services liaisons to:
(a) serve the needs of rural counties in providing emergency medical services in accordance with this chapter;
(b) act as a liaison between the bureau and individuals or entities responsible for emergency medical services in rural counties, including:
(i) emergency medical services providers;
(ii) local officials; and
(iii) local health departments or agencies;
(c) provide support and training to emergency medical services providers in rural counties;
(d) assist rural counties in utilizing state and federal grant programs for financing emergency medical services; and
(e) serve as emergency medical service personnel to assist licensed providers with ambulance staffing needs within rural counties.
(3) Each liaison hired under Subsection (2):
(a) shall reside in a rural county; and
(b) shall be licensed as:
(i) an advanced emergency medical technician as defined in Section 53-2e-101; or
(ii) a paramedic as defined in Section 53-2e-101.
(4) The bureau shall provide each liaison with a vehicle and other equipment.