EMS/Fire Shootings

This is the audio of the MAST shooting in KC, MO. There are some scene safety tip as well as information on other recent EMS/Fire involved shootings. There is no such thing as a "safe scene" anymore for EMS responders. Our prayers go out to those who have been killed and their families.

Until the dangers are recognized and addressed EMS providers will still not be seen as working in a dangerous environment. Injury due to assault is the number 1 reason EMS providers are injured on the job. Many states have passed laws to provide stiffer penalties to those who assault EMS Providers. It is up to all of us to press charges each and every time an assault on EMS happens!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• injured
• assault
• attacked

[DT4EMS]

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on our clip. We have been trying to change minds here in the US for over 12 years. IN the UK, reports of assaults are taken serious because the issue is recognized. In the US many agencies attempt to hide the numbers and older medics make the younger ones feel bad about reporting the incidents saying "It's just part of the job".

[DT4EMS]

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on our clip. We have been trying to change minds here in the US for over 12 years. IN the UK, reports of assaults are taken serious because the issue is recognized. In the US many agencies attempt to hide the numbers and older medics make the younger ones feel bad about reporting the incidents saying "It's just part of the job".

Kip

[hkarlh]

Too add a little background... KCMO has great procedures in places to reduce EMS' exposure to violent scenes. Communication between the agencies make these violent interactions extremely rare. Despite the presence of the sagegaurds, this incident. nearly ended the life of one of the paramedics. Don't let the social pressure from your bosses, dispatchers, or partners talk you entering unsecure scenes... EVER!

[Cmdr213]

Just listening to the audio and letting your mind put you in that position is pretty powerful.

At 1:54 the initial report of shots fired is given, and at 8:48 the medic is still down - just 20 feet from officers that cannot break cover to grab him.

I know that on London, England alone, there are over 1,200 assaults per year on EMS personnel. London Ambulance Service has about 400 personnel. Those are some scary statistics.

Thanks for posting this.

[mnjbooth]

i was on duty (fd) the day Ryan Hummert was killed...my one house equip was on the scene...so sad...i have to say that all things considered everyone sounds like they remained calm and was doing their very best to communicate clearly and concisely...what happened to the medic who was shot?

[tdhooge]

i remember this