This mind-set often led to delays in critical care interventions or, in some instances, required members to operate in questionable environments–potentially compromising their health and safety.įield personnel were issued plastic yellow helmets and thin, calfskin safety gloves, while Officers donned similar white safety helmets. The general expectation during this period was that EMS members would have patients removed from high-hazard environments and brought to them for treatment in an area deemed safer for emergency medical care provision. In this era, New York City EMS was a part of the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and safety awareness was minimal for an emergency service-providing agency. When we arrive at discussing our present-day equipment, we will see how this ensemble best meets modern environmental challenges, affording our members the highest levels of safety possible. To establish context and an understanding of what led to current protective equipment standards, both nationally and in New York City, we first must discuss the history and development of protective equipment in the EMS workplace. This growth in both call volume and hazard types has caused a drastic change in how agencies approach the need for EMS safety equipment and apparel, advancing the development of personal protective equipment (PPE) for emergency medical service providers.

After 9/11, FDNY made improvements to EMS personal protective equipment (PPE).ĮMS call volumes continuously have increased over the years, while the types of operational hazards in the workplace have become more comprehensive and complex.

Fdny ems department orders