Mayor Eric Adams signed two bills May 1, 2024, to enhance safety measures for FDNY’s frontline emergency medical workers.
Sponsored by New York City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli, Introduction 126-A provides body armor to EMS employees and establishes requirements that protective equipment meet ballistic- and stab-resistance standards of the National Institute of Justice. Introduction 127-A requires FDNY provide de-escalation and self-defense training to EMS workers. The FDNY has been providing ballistics vests and self-defense training to all EMS members for more than 20 years, but the new legislation now makes the Department legally required to do so.
“FDNY EMS members respond to calls day and night, delivering crucial emergency medical care to New Yorkers,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.