This short news article from the Firehouse website details the testing of body-worn cameras for EMS units in Robeson County, NC. I've written about the expansion of BWCs to non-law enforcement entities in the past. EMS applications are a natural extension of the technology. The article indicates that one of the primary reasons for deployment consideration is to protect paramedics from assault with the secondary possible application of live-streaming telemedicine. This application has great promise. EMS agencies that are considering such use of BWCs should begin the process with the same level of implementation planning that police departments do. However, I would caution EMS from following the law enforcement model and policies for a host of reasons. I would encourage any EMS agency considering deploying BWCs to contact me for a free discussion of the challenges.
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