As the number of incidents involving threats of violence and attacks upon public safety providers increases, EMS agencies across the country are evaluating safety procedures and providing additional protective equipment to its providers. Following this trend, Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently purchased 10 ballistic vests for their volunteers to wear on calls involving violent or unstable situations.
When violent conditions are reported at an emergency, ambulances wait for law enforcement to clear the scene of any danger. However, many of the incidents that have resulted in EMT’s being injured began as medical or fire calls that had no signs or warnings that violence could occur. Incidents, such as the 2009 murder of a Cape Vincent EMT and the 2012 West Webster attacks against EMT’s and Fire Fighters, began as seemingly routine calls. Emergency Medical Services Agencies have also become closer with law enforcement over the past decade and recent incidents, such as in Dallas, Texas, EMT’s were forced to put themselves in harm’s way to provide lifesaving care.
“Although, we try to ensure the safety of everyone, from the side of busy roads to unknown medical issues and potentially dangerous patients, the truth is our providers cannot remove themselves completely from harm’s way,” said Chief of EMS, Steven Dziura. Combined with the tools and training that COCVAC members receive, it is hoped that these vests will reduce some of that risk that COCVAC’s EMT’s face.
COCVAC purchased their vests, from a local manufacturer in Rome with funding from its Board of Directors. For more information on COCVAC and its volunteers visit www.COCVAC.org.
Image Caption: Two of the Ten Vests COCVAC Recently Purchased for its EMS Providers.