New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 10 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Chapter 20 - CIVIL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RELIEF
Part 2 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
Section 10.20.2.16 - VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers who are acting in the service of a governmental entity, when authorized, required, or requested to perform such duties by the governmental entity are, in most cases, covered by the state Tort Claims Act for liability arising from such activities; independent contractors, however, are not covered by the act. Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians associated with fire departments may be covered by workman's compensation and, if so, may be eligible for medical coverage that is financed by the state fire fund. Designated red cross volunteers are covered by the red cross' public liability policy and also have insurance coverage for medical expenses resulting from injuries that occur while functioning in a volunteer capacity. Volunteers not designated by the red cross are not eligible for red cross insurance benefits; however, any volunteer who wants this coverage can obtain red cross designation. (NOTE: Not all fire department volunteers will be covered by workman's compensation. If their departments have not purchased coverage they must rely on their own insurance. At the present time, most departments have not purchased workman's compensation coverage for volunteers.)