NHTSA Office of EMS: Stay Vigilant This Week

PRESS RELEASE

The NHTSA Office of EMS urges first responders to remain vigilant and prepare for potential unrest.

In light of last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol and the upcoming inauguration, it is important that every member of the EMS community maintains situational awareness and prioritizes their safety and the safety of their colleagues and patients.

To help prepare, EMS clinicians are asked to review the document Fire and EMS Response to Civil Unrest on EMS.gov. It includes specific steps that can be taken to prepare personnel, stations, apparatus, and the community for emergency response in a challenging environment. You can also find additional resources from the U.S. Fire Administration and International Association of Fire Chiefs

With the pandemic continuing to strain many communities and EMS systems, the added stress of these events impacts us all. Please take a moment to check on yourself, your crew, and your peers. Seeking help requires strength, and in these stressful times many of us will need the additional support.