The New York City Council has passed new legislation to enhance the safety of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel by providing them with body armor and self-defense training.
The two bills, spearheaded by Minority Leader Joseph Borelli, come in response to a noted escalation in violent incidents targeting first responders.
After the bills passed on Thursday, Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “Our essential workers deserve to be safe while performing life-saving duties, and these new laws will help reduce the health and safety risks they experience.”
She added, “We will continue working with partners across all levels of government to deliver more protections for workers and more affordable housing for New Yorkers to remain and succeed in the city we all love.”
Under the newly approved bills, the FDNY is mandated to supply EMTs and paramedics with bullet and stab-resistant vests.
Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for self-defense and de-escalation training tailored to the typical scenarios encountered by EMS crews.
“Our members are continuously under attack, but our call volume is reaching record highs,” stated Oren Barzilay, president of Local 2507 of District Council 37.
The alarming increase in attacks on city EMS workers underscored the urgency for such measures. In 2022, the number of assaults reached 363, up from the 15 reported incidents in 2011.
During a city council hearing on Thursday, Borelli highlighted that attacks on EMTs have surged exponentially over the past two decades.
The legislation has yet to be signed by Mayor Eric Adams but aims to address the growing concerns over the safety of EMS workers.
Borelli emphasized the critical nature of the role played by these professionals, noting that incidents like the tragic death of FDNY Lt. Alison Russo-Elling in September 2022 might have been averted with proper training.
Russo-Elling was fatally stabbed outside her stationhouse in a shocking attack in September 2022.
“These folks don’t have a choice whether they can respond to incidents or not. We expect them to go wherever the danger is,” Borelli explained to reporters.
He recalled the death of EMT Yadira Arroyo, who was tragically killed in 2017 in the Bronx after a man hijacked her ambulance. “They are our angels, and we should treat them like that and make sure they are given the best chance to come home safely to their loved ones,” Borelli added, stressing the importance of the new protective measures for EMS personnel.
