Body Amor was Re: carrying on the job.

[Guest guest]

I agree it sounded bad, but I think he was referring to the other

drivers who think " ECNALUBMA " reads, " get in front and test my brakes

by slamming on yours " . I the era of monster sound systems and sealed

tight vehicles, often an emergency vehicle is behind a car before they

realize and instinct is to slam on brakes.

Let's give him a brake and assume the best not the worst.

Sadly, not all aw enforcement agencies require body armor. It is hot

and bulky. Certainly it is better than a few years ago.

Unfortunately, there is still a macho " I don't need that " attitude.

We have a similar bad habit. PPE. I think we have all met the old

medic who recalls with pride the call where " we didn't have no gloves,

heck those were only for the bodies that are decomposing " .

My own opinion only; if you have areas known for violence, in addition

to an orange safety vest, your service should be required to provide

an over the top level IIIa ballistic vest. It is a huge investment,

but what is a friend's life worth? Common sense says, wait for the

scene to be secured, and still take proper precautions. As I was

taught in EMT-B program in 1981, " Hero is just another way of spelling

dead " .

>

> In war torn areas of gang land we have worn body armor before in the

texas heat. Yes it bites but every law officer in texas wears them

all the time.

>

> Rick is right why is the driver an idiot, are you the ony one that

rides a call? do you ever drive? who then is the idiot?

>

> We all must claim the responsibility of doing the right things to

protect first ourselves then the patients. Guns in our line could be

potential issues when it comes down to the actual scene you are called

to be on and is it worth that that have one in your possesion?

>