Trending Topics

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

FR1 Affiliate images - 2026-02-12T103303.682.jpg

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.”

Accelerate BWC adoption for safer working conditions and better patient care
Trending
Harrisburg officials are reviewing the city-run BLS ambulance service after questions about operating costs, revenue and responses outside city limits
Decatur-Morgan Hospital Ambulance Service met the city’s nine-minute response standard on 87% of second-quarter calls, below the required 90%
Eagle Fire’s new station will bring local and federal wildland crews closer to the growing wildland-urban interface, while its former station is slated to become an Ada County Paramedics base
The longstanding partnership between the Virginia Association of First Responders and the German Red Cross has strengthened EMS and built lasting international friendships

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.