FEATURED IN
- Slain MIT Cop's Brother Seeks Holiday for First Responders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screening Day to be Held
- Semi Falls Off Portland Overpass
- One Dead in Arizona Freeway Ramp Collapse
- Car Jumps New York City Curb Striking Several People
- Ammunition Depot Fire Injures 30 in Russia
- Medicare Cost-Cutting Changes for Diabetics May Cause Confusion
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - EMTs are often the first people on the scene following a shooting, stabbing or other violent incident.
How do they keep themselves from getting caught in the crossfire?
So far this year, 40 people have been fatally shot in Buffalo, according to police.
The shooting scenes are dangerous but police have protection and back up.
But what about first responders who usually arrive within 10 minutes of being called?
"Everytime you go to another scene you're learning from the last one. Where to position crews, how many people you need, everytime you go you're learning," said Dave Measer.
Dave Measer, a supervisor for Rural Metro in Cheektowaga says there are times when you're not sure whether a situation will get out of control while administering medical care.
Generally, he says they don't have any problems, even during summers like these when the number of shootings is greater than last year.
Measer said, "When we're at the scene, especially as as supervisor, I try to keep an eye on my crews to make sure there is no danger to them."
Public Affairs Manager for Rural Metro, Jay Smith says the safety of the employees is always a concern.
"Our guys, they don't have protective equipment. They have to wait on scene, make sure the scene is secure, before they proceed in to give medical assistance," Smith said.
Extra steps are taken to protect first responders from becoming victims themselves.
Smith also exclaimed, "We will also dispatch a supervisor to any confirmed shooting scene, so it will tie up additional resources that may not be needed at another scene."
Copyright WIVB.com
