It seems that the answer to that question is much harder to answer than you might think. For most other public safety uniformed professionals, like police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, although the particular colors might change slightly from department to department, the overall appearance of the actual uniform itself is very similar across many of the branches of the same profession. And this uniformity in what these separate departments choose to outfit their staff with creates a recognizable standard for their uniform across the country that most public citizen’s know without even thinking about it. For the most part if you see a man or women dress in dark blue paramilitary type garb with a badge and a duty belt, you know you are looking at an officer of the law and that they should command a certain level of respect. But what is this easily recognizable standard of uniform for the everyday EMS professional? Other than the fact that they jumped out of an ambulance when you saw them, would you quickly recognize an EMT or paramedic at the scene of an accident?
Author: Matt Baumeyer
The New EMT Pant
The role of an EMT professional has changed over recent years. EMT uniforms have changed to fit these new roles. EMT uniforms and more specifically EMT pants have improved to accommodate the new role of the EMT. EMT pants have very specific features that are a necessity to the average EMT/EMS professional.
EMS pants must accommodate the many tools used in this important line of work. The EMT trousers must have at least 2 large cargo pockets which can be separated and subdivided or they have additional pockets for all kinds of devices (flashlights, medical tools, etc). These are not only handy additions to the uniform pant but a necessity. There are also, in the best quality pant, adjustable scissor straps and glove pockets on EMT uniform pants. Other features of EMT uniforms include some sort of spill / stain resistant technology and sometimes wrinkle resistance so that the EMT always looks professional.
History of EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technicians)
The modern EMT program in the United States began as part of the “Alexandria Plan” in the early 70’s. Emergency medicine (EM) as a medical specialty is a very new idea. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s, hospital emergency departments were generally staffed by physicians on staff at the hospital on a rotating basis, among them general surgeons, internists, psychiatrists, and various other types of specialty doctors. What the system lacked was specialized triage type care from the moment the victim is engaged. There was no system to manage Pre-Emergency care. EMS and EMT’s as a specialty occurred as it became increasingly proven that time is the most important factor in a good result after an emergency. Physicians in training (interns and residents), medical graduates from other countries and sometimes nurses also staffed the Emergency Department but the systematic evaluation of the modern Emergency Room and Pre-Emergency room care is a more modern phenomenon.
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Honor Guards in the United States
An honor guard, or ceremonial guard, is a special unit, Police, Fire departments, and EMS in nature and composed of volunteers who are carefully screened for their exceptional strength and skillfulness, as well as their incomparable performance on duty. Only the most exceptional representatives who are highly motivated and maintain superbly high standards of appearance and behavior and show talent for ceremonial duty are likely to be honored with the duties of their particular honor guard. Special Honor guard uniforms are designated for the men and women chosen for this special duty. Each branch of uniformed occupation has a special unit, Police, Fire departments, and EMS departments have their own Honor Guard uniform.
The Civil Servant’s Honor Guard
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge
- Every 57 hours a Law Enforcement Officer is killed in the line of duty.
- Each year in the United States, approximately 100 firefighters are killed while on duty and tens of thousands are injured
- On average 150 Law Enforcement Officers are killed each year.
Honoring Local Heroes
The Guard’s Motto
“Hero’s are not dead until they are forgotten. The Honor Guard never forgets!”
The Guard’s Creed
….I will perform in humble reverence to the best of my capacity. It is those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that commands the respect I protect, and it is their bravery that made us so proud.
In general, Honor Guards are associated with the military, but local heroes are served by Honor Guards around the country as these brave civil servants put their lives on the line. Most Honor Guard members have attended formal training at Fire Colleges and/or are EMS trained guards. They also represent their factions as they march in the local community celebration parades, attended new station grand openings (ring in-service), and participated in award ceremonies, as well as various other social functions and duties.
Although they may represent different groups, EMT’s, Firefighters, and etc, all honor guards have the same mission; to strive to honor firefighters, and others who give their lives in service to others in life, as well as death, and to exhibit the best possible image to the entire community. They accomplish this with the highest degree of professionalism, dedication, loyalty, honor and dignity possible. Their purpose is to represent these local heroes by projecting a positive image, and performing as a well-trained team at events and formal occasions as appropriate. In addition to funerals and memorial services, the honor guard may be called on to post colors, march in parades, attend new station grand openings, social functions, and assist the families of our fallen brothers and sisters during their time of need.
Usually, an Honor Guard is available to assist and/or work in conjunction with other honor guards for “Line of Duty” funerals and memorial services for all Fire, EMS and Police personnel as requested. All members of any honor guard must learn Military Drill and Ceremonies and perform to satisfaction of the group before they may perform with the group and obtain his/her uniform that properly represents the group they are honoring. Honor Guards perform at many various occasions and perform more functions than the most revered, to include Remembrance Ceremonies, but in addition they perform at EMS conferences and official conventions, flag dedication services, and various types of graduations. Honor Guards function as important branches of our most heroic of civil servants such as Fire Fighters Honor Guard, EMS Honor Guard, Color Guard, Funeral Detail, Bearer Party, and Guard of the Vigil. Their attendance and contributions to these special events are invaluable. They represent and honor the best of the best of human nature and each faction, although less formal than the military, deserves all the honors and remembrances bestowed on them by these special teams.
The “Dress” in the Honor Guard Dress Uniform
Honor Guards serve a very distinguished place in many organized occupations, honoring the fallen and representing groups in ceremonial functions. The uniform of particular honor guards may vary greatly depending on who they represent. There are basics to an honor guard uniform as well as individual specifications. The basic honor guard uniform consists of the service dress uniform coat with epaulets and slacks/trousers, service cap, cap device, a tie or an ascot, Honor Guard patch, shoulder cord, white pistol belt, formal white gloves, and a non-operating parade rifle with sling. Helmets or helmet liners may be used instead of caps; however, all members of an honor guard should be in the same style, if possible.
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The Cross Over Appeal of 5.11 Tactical
511 Tactical is one of the fastest growing companies in durable and professional looking uniform pants, shirts and accessories. 5.11, Inc. constructs top quality merchandise that increases the protection, precision, swiftness and overall operation of law enforcement, military, EMS/EMT and firefighting professionals and sells these products under the registered trademarks: 5.11 Tactical®. 5.11, Tactical Series®, and other marks.
511 Tactical Pants: Bringing Modern Advances and Superior Quality to the Basics
511 Tactical is the premier company providing the best Law Enforcement, EMS, and various others Uniform Pants and Tactical Gear. Their pants have crossed the boundary between functionality and comfort. Made of tough, 8.5-oz. 100% cotton washed canvas that becomes increasingly more comfortable over time, the 5.11 Tactical Pants stand up to the rigors of daily work, play and travel. Known for superior comfort, functionality, and a relaxed fit, the pants feature a self-adjusting comfort waistband that helps you bend and stretch with ease. They are used at work and at play particularly because of their number of pockets and reinforced quality and durability. These pants serve more than just Law Enforcement; they are practical for many purposes and are some of the most well-reviewed pants online.
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Footwear, a Foot Above the Rest with 511 Tactical
Part of the cross over appeal of the 511 Tactical Company has lied in their ability to meet the needs of their customers. One way the utilized customer feedback was in developing a work boot designed to be functional, durable and most importantly comfortable under extreme pressure. The entire line of work shoes and boots made in various styles and colors meet the high standards set by 5.11 Tactical. A favorite of Law Enforcement, EMS/EMT’s, Firefighters, and various other uniformed service people, their appeal has crossed over by word of mouth and the shoe/work-boot line is now popularly used by 5.11 customers for hiking, motorcycle riding, yard work, farming and other activities.
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