ROME, N.Y. — In the wake of recent threats of violence towards public safety providers nationwide, EMS agencies across the country are evaluating on-scene safety procedures and providing additional protective equipment to first responders.
Following this trend, CBS News 2 reports that Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New York State 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 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, N.Y. EMT and the 2012 West Webster, N.Y. attacks against EMTs and firefighters began as seemingly routine calls.
“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 Central Oneida County EMS Chief Steven Dziura.
Emergency Medical Services agencies have also become closer with law enforcement over the past decade. In recent incidents, such as in the shootings in Dallas, EMT’s were forced to put themselves in harm’s way to provide lifesaving care.