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N.Y. EMS deploys body-worn cameras to boost safety and trust

Newark-Arcadia Emergency Medical Services says the new program will improve documentation, strengthen training and enhance provider and patient safety

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Newark-Arcadia Emergency Medical Services/Facebook

NEWARK, N.Y. — Newark-Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance Inc. (NAVA), under the Newark-Arcadia Emergency Medical Services, announced it has purchased and begun deploying body-worn cameras for its EMS personnel.

In a statement, officials said the program is intended to support transparency and accountability, enhance provider safety and strengthen the delivery of patient care.

The body-worn camera program will:

  • Provide an objective record of interactions, enhance documentation accuracy, support training and quality improvement efforts,
  • Promote professionalism.
  • Serve as a safety measure for our crews and patients.

Newark-Arcadia Emergency Medical Services said it will continue providing compassionate, professional and reliable emergency medical care, and that its new body-worn camera program is intended to strengthen trust with the community.

The agency said it is the third EMS provider in New York to adopt a body-worn camera program, and the first 501(c)(3) EMS agency in the state to do so.

What are your thoughts on body-worn cameras in EMS? Do they improve provider safety and documentation — or raise new concerns?



EMS1 readers respond

“How is this going to be HIPPA compliant? How can you guarantee patient privacy?”

“I hope it does not become a precedent.”

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.