Gov. Larry Rhoden is signing a pair of bills aimed at strengthening the state’s emergency medical systems.

One bill establishes protections for nurses who are serving on ambulance crews. The other makes it easier for people with existing emergency training — like firefighters or police officers — to become ambulance drivers.

“Keeping South Dakotans safe is my number one priority, and EMS teams are on the front lines those efforts,” Rhoden said in a statement Monday. “These bills give EMS professionals the protections and support they need to respond quickly and effectively — and they give South Dakotans peace of mind knowing help is always within reach.”

The bills are part of a larger legislative effort to address emergency service issues, particularly in rural areas. Existing funding models are having trouble keeping up with costs, and some communities are facing a shortage of volunteers.

Another bill seeks to create a task force to look into whether EMS should be considered an essential service. That measure passed the Senate and awaits hearing in the House.

Rhoden has signed nine bills so far this session.