In EMT class, you were bombarded with 'scene safety' and 'BSI.' Now that you are actually on the truck, what PPE do you wear to protect you from the daily elements? Most paramedics and EMTs regularly wear gloves. But what other PPE do you carry with you on scene?

Do you notice those EMS providers who always wear their safety glasses? Most responders who religously wear safety glasses have learned their lesson the hard way - through flushing debris, vomit, blood, sputum and environmental elements out of their eyes. Not to mention the hours of safety risk paperwork and meeting with the occupational health nurse.

Try this: Go down to the local hardware store and purchase a $10 pair of safety glasses that fit your face and your style. Next time you're working, wear them through the entire day. At the end of the day, take a look at the grime on your lenses. You just saved yourself from those external elements.