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EMS Safety Tips

EMS personnel are put in danger on an almost daily basis. EMS safety is paramount because if you can't stay safe, you cannot help your patients and they are counting on you to do just that.

  1. Stay Together

    • Never enter into a home or apartment building on your own. You never know what you might find and could be exposed to severe danger such as violence, weapons, or disease. Wait for your partner or team.

    Always Wash Your Hands

    • Be hyper-vigilant about washing your hands. As an EMS agent you are regularly exposed to germs and bodily fluids that are not your own and possible infection or disease can be passed to you or from you to another patient.

    Utilize Street Safety Protocols

    • Wear reflective gear, have a spotter on busy roadways, turn vehicles to block access and always be aware of the danger of on-coming traffic. Drivers are more concerned with what they may see than EMS safety so it's up to you to be proactive.

    Keep Safety Equipment Easily Accessible

    • Keeping safety equipment easily accessible is important for seasoned employees as well as new employees who may need further reminders to use it. Safety equipment such as goggles and rubber gloves should be found in plain view on the truck and in your paramedic bag. Hung by the door is a good place so you see it as you disembark. Hand sanitizer should be available both on the truck and at the station in various visible locations as a regular reminder against germs. Reflective gear should be stored in a location visible and quickly accessible as you get off the truck. Emergency cones and flares should be stored with your gear in the gear compartment outside your truck for easy access as well.

    Understand Conditions Can Change

    • Your environment can be safe one moment and dangerous in the next. Understand that it can change rapidly and be on guard. You may be in truck cruising one moment, and in a high speed race to reach an accident the next. When you arrive on scene you may be stepping into a violent situation or a chemically hazardous situation. Be prepared for anything.

    Allow Law Enforcement to Handle Violence

    • If a patient or bystander becomes angry or violent, it's best to put distance and objects between you and then and allow the police to intervene. If they aren't there yet, get in your vehicle and wait for them to arrive.

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