Protecting EMS: Insight Into Body Armor
Chris Taylor is an expert writer for SafeGuard Armor, provider of a wide range of protective clothing for journalists, security and EMS personnel.
Working in emergency healthcare is a difficult task, and paramedics face extremely stressful situations. This is made even worse by attacks and injuries that can severely impede the ability to properly perform such a crucial job. It is imperative these people are protected to give them some peace of mind.
Body armor is a necessity for EMS, and it is unreasonable to expect them to save lives and perform their job to the best of their ability without it. However, the nature of their role means they have very specific requirements for any body armor.
Keeping Emergency Services Safe
There are many solutions being proposed and tested by members of emergency services. For example, some paramedics have followed the example of the police and started to wear body cameras in certain situations. This can help identify attackers, but unfortunately offers no way to stop attacks.
Training paramedics and ambulance crews to manage and diffuse hostile situations is another method that can help mitigate the danger, and when coupled with training in self defense, it arguably provides EMS with everything they need for dangerous situations. However, the difficulty for these individuals is in providing a friendly and helpful demeanor, whilst also being protected against any potential attacks. The backlash against the police for excessive force is great, and would be even worse for the EMS.
However, it is vital that paramedics do protect themselves against attacks, even if self-defense is not a helpful method of doing so. Avoiding confrontation can be helpful in keeping medics safe, but many unfortunately know that avoiding an attack is not always possible. If attacks do happen, it is important that paramedics can keep themselves safe.
According to an international survey, 76% of paramedics stated that stab-resistant vests should be issued to all paramedics, and some departments have already issued vests to emergency responders. However, 62% of survey respondents didn’t want to see stab-proof vests become compulsory. This could be for a number of reasons; some may feel that body armor will draw more attention to them, making them more of a target. However, manufacturers offer covert style stab- and bullet-proof vests that can comfortably worn under clothing or a uniform and still offer protection.
Another concern is body armor might be cumbersome and reduce mobility. Most manufacturers produce lightweight vests that do not reduce mobility, and the creators of bullet-resistant materials like Kevlar are constantly reducing the weight of their products, making stab- and bullet-proof vests increasingly wearable.
Defining Body Armor
The need for mobility is essential for paramedics and their work, and so the types of body armor usually worn by the military or SWAT teams, complete with thick plates and helmets, are simply not applicable here. However, it does the raise the question of what exactly paramedics need from their body armor.
Body armor is an umbrella term for a number of different products. It includes bullet-proof vests and ballistic helmets, stab-proof vests and even concealable armor.
Ballistic protection is tested in accordance with NIJ standards (The US National Institute of Justice), and is graded depending on the size and strength of ammunition it can protect against. Lower levels can protect against the vast majority of ammunition used in handguns and semi-automatics and are significantly lighter and thinner. The protection necessary depends on the likely threats; therefore, it is important that an appropriate level is selected.
Common Weapons EMS Might Face
Of course, the threat of firearms may not always be the most serious or imminent for those in the EMS. Many do not realize that a Kevlar vest cannot stop an edged or spiked weapon, and these are often far easier to obtain in the diverse environments paramedics have to operate in. Weapons like needles, for example, often surround paramedics, and these can make attacks potentially fatal, even when wearing a bullet proof vest.
Stab and spike protection can only be achieved through the use of additional materials, which are often used in conjunction with Kevlar. This is because the soft fabric is incredibly strong, and will help disperse the energy of any attack. However, edged weapons can cut through it, and spiked weapons will pass between the minute gaps in the fabric. Therefore, stab and spike proof vests often utilize chain mail and/or plastic laminate to provide a tough surface that will stop penetration from these weapons, while the Kevlar beneath absorbs the impact.
Features to Consider
It is not only the type of protection that matters, but the style. Body armor is available in both covert and overt styles, designed to be worn under and over clothing respectively. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages; Covert armor is lightweight, flexible and offers full protection while remaining discreet. Some covert vests also incorporate temperature regulating technologies to help keep the wearer cool and draw moisture away from the skin.
On the other hand, overt vests can be augmented with additional protection for the upper arms and throat, and can be customized with high-visibility covers, logos and insignia. This can be useful for field medics who wish to display their role, letting all know of their status as non-combatant. However, some have argued that this is increasingly making medics a target, as terrorist groups in particular look to attack or kidnap civilians and medics. This is why the decision must remain a personal one and must be an informed one.
It is important that armor is comfortable, as the majority of injuries in hostile environments occur from crossfire, particularly when traveling. Armor that can be worn even when seated and driving will help greatly increase the chances of survival. Working as a medic in hostile environments is a stressful and dangerous job. However, being aware of the protective options available, and which are most suitable for the situation, will help paramedics stay safe and remain confident and mobile enough to properly perform their job and help save lives.
