Paramedics in need of user friendly body armour

Many paramedics and other front-line professionals are still opposed to wearing stab vests or other forms of body protection, due to simple misperception. There is still the myth that body armour is exceptionally heavy, thick and bulky.

After conducting a survey questioning paramedics across the country, the author came to the conclusion that protection is indeed still desired, but that body armour manufacturers need to gain a better understanding of what paramedics really want (PPSS, 2011).

What are the real operational risks when dealing with potentially intoxicated members of the public? What kind, and what level of protection, is required? This article has been written to clear some myth, and offer solutions to those professionals who serve and care, risking their own lives.

There is no doubt that too many paramedics and other front-line professionals are still opposed to wearing stab vests or other forms of body protection, only due to simple misperceptions, often based on previous experiences.