Data Recorder Provides Legal Protection for Agency

In today’s world of what seems like relentless lawsuits being filed, it’s more important than ever that EMS professionals protect themselves in the event their practices come under fire. Drew McKenzie, assistant director of logistics and senior tactical medic at Mobile Life Support Services in New Windsor, NY, says that less expensive products are available, but “you get what you pay for.”

The Digital Ally DVM-250Plus Event Data Recorder, however, is reliable, and provides excellent video and sound, explains McKenzie. He says the product is fairly new to the EMS industry, but has many success stories in law enforcement. Mobile Life Support Services received two camera systems in the spring of this year.

Previously, Mobile Life Support was using a self-contained unit and had several issues with lost or corrupted data. The device also only had forward-facing and cab cameras. With the Digital Ally DVM-250Plus, the group is able to record audio and video inside, as well as video outside the vehicle, and that recording can be set to start automatically or manually.

McKenzie says his group wanted the ability to have the unit go into “low power” when the vehicle’s ignition was turned off, and also have the camera fully operational in seconds after the ignition was turned on. This product does that, and much more.

“Additionally,” he says, “we wanted the ability to record the backup camera when the rear doors were opened in case there was an issue with loading or unloading the stretcher.”

All employees’ wishes were fulfilled with the Digital Ally Event Data Recorder. The SD card can easily be pulled and replaced, and the video reviewed and saved on a computer. The card can also be locked so it is unable to be switched or tampered with, another way to counter accusations if the need arises.

“Since we initiated video recording about a year ago, we have had some incidents where the cameras have provided proof that our staff was compliant with policies and procedures,” says McKenzie.