The Importance of Body Armor for Medical Personnel

Chris Taylor is an expert writer for SafeGuard Armor, provider of a wide range of protective clothing for journalists, security and EMS personnel.

It is no secret that when on duty paramedics are often just as much in danger as those they are called to care for. Debris, spiky, sharp and pointy objects on scene can cause harm to paramedics and victims alike. Additionally, paramedics sometimes see themselves in dangerous situations involving criminals, or confused and disoriented victims of accidents in possession of knives and other stab and slash weapons.

The danger of finding oneself in situations as the ones described has triggered avid discussions about the necessity of paramedics wearing stab-proof body armor that protects them from injuries caused by weapons and other objects. On the other hand, many opposed to body armor for paramedics believe that the weight and size of stab vests may inhibit the paramedic’s ability to perform the task at hand and provide the necessary care to the injured.

Size and fitting of stab vests for paramedics

Contrary to the belief that stab vests may inhibit the free movement of the paramedic, they are actually quite thin and lightweight and specifically designed for free movement. Stab vests come in two different protection levels. They range from level 2 to 3, where three provides the highest level of protection. With a higher level of protection, however, the vests also get a little bulkier and harder to wear.

No matter which protection level is chosen, it is vital that the vest fits perfectly and doesn’t lose its optimal position with every movement. Stab vests can only reach their full protective potential if they are positioned in the way they are intended. Vests that are too large may move slightly with every movement, leave the optimal position and leave certain areas of the body unprotected and therefore vulnerable to an attack.

Levels of protection

As previously mentioned, stab vests come in three different protection levels with a level 3 vest being the highest available option. The higher the level, the more likely it is to protect against an attack with higher force. Level 2 stab protection body armor protects against attacks with a force of up to 33 Jules. Level 3 stab vests are the most protective out of the three. They can protect against knife and other attacks that are carried out with a force of up to 43 Jules.

Every paramedic should individually decide which level of protection is right for him and his personal situation, while taking into consideration, the fit and mobility achievable when wearing the vests.