Vendor Viewpoint: Body Armor for EMS

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The past year has been quite a ride for public safety. Social and political unrest has caused tension throughout our country. Many major cities are experiencing unprecedented surges in violent crime. While many are focused solely on COVID, first responders should also be planning for their protection in an increasingly volatile landscape. It may be time for fire and EMS to consider body armor as an integral part of their PPE. 

After the rise in active-shooter events, body armor for rescue task forces became the standard. This is indeed an appropriate place for armor, but are we missing a bigger opportunity for protection? In truth, the greatest actual danger to those in public safety comes from “routine” calls involving violence or trauma. Statistically, this is where armor could have the greatest impact. So let’s begin with a basic primer. 

Armor Types

Despite the common use of the term, no material is “bulletproof.” Each armor package is designed to protect against a particular threat. Soft armor is flexible and designed to be worn all day either under the uniform or in an outer carrier and protects against pistol threats only. Hard armor plates are rigid and protect against pistol and a specific set of rifle threats. Neither soft nor hard armor is typically tested for fragmentation from explosives or cut/stab threats. 

Soft armor is made from synthetic fibers that have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. Fibers are woven together tightly and stacked into layers to form an armor panel. When a bullet strikes the panel, the material stretches to essentially “catch” the bullet. Hard armor is rigid and made from steel, ceramics, or specialized polyethylene. Hard armor is designed to deform or break up the rifle bullet so it can be stopped. There are pros and cons to each material. 

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the minimum performance requirements and testing methods for body armor. NIJ testing is voluntary, and some armor companies independently test their own armor. NIJ laboratories test armor for perforation, bullet velocity (V50), and back face signature (BFS). To pass, no partial or full perforation of the armor is allowed. The stopping velocity of each armor panel (V50) is determined by increasing bullet velocity until the panel fails. BFS relates to the blunt force trauma the body absorbs from a bullet strike. This is established by shooting the panel against a specialized clay that approximates the level of damage to the body. The maximum allowable indentation is 44 mm into the clay. An armor package must pass all three standards by an NIJ laboratory to be certified. 

The current NIJ standards classify the levels of armor protection as:

• Type 2 soft armor: 9mm/.357 Magnum;
• Type 3A soft armor: type 2 plus .357 Sig/.44 Magnum;
• Type 3 hard armor: 7.62mm FMJ (think AK-47);
• Type 4 hard armor: .30-caliber armor-piercing;
• Special type or threats: Protective against specific threats.

Both type 2 and 3A soft armor stop most pistol threats. Pistols are the most commonly used firearm in violent crime. The primary difference is the ability to stop a .44 Magnum. Soft armor should be worn for all calls involving violence or considered for daily wear given that violent threats are often unpredictable.

Hard armor requires a little more discussion. The AR-15 (5.56mm) is the most popular rifle in most parts of the country and often can be stopped by a level 3 rifle plate. However, a bullet known as the “green tip” (M855 designator) has flooded the market for years and will defeat most level 3 plates without a ceramic front face. Plates that protect against this round will be clearly marked as tested against the M855. Because of this, many departments automatically default to a level 4 rifle plate. The tradeoff for higher protection is bulkier and heavier gear that may be difficult for extended wear.

Protection vs. Comfort

Choosing armor is always a compromise between protection and comfort. If gear is too bulky or heavy, it will not be worn on a regular basis. For rescue task force members, NFPA 3000 recommends level 3A soft armor, ballistic helmets, and IFAKs. With the prevalence of M855, consider rifle plates rated to stop the M855. 

For daily wear, consider soft armor in either an outer carrier or under your uniform. When comparing armor, select the lightest armor package with the highest V50 numbers and lowest BFS. Vests should function as a system for deploying medical gear in an efficient and logical manner. Body armor should be designed with the first responder in mind so it can easily be integrated into your daily work life. Remember, armor is there help you do your job while keeping you safe.  

David Rice, EMT-P, has been a paramedic since 1993 and worked full-time in state law enforcement for 20 years. He now works for North American Rescue in public safety.