EMS Badges

[Fex404 0]

I have seen this now in numerous posts. I have heard of these badges that EMS personnel have. I have been an EMT for 2 years now and have never seen a badge. Just out of curiousity what do theses badges look like and where do people get them and why do EMS people have them. I dont see the need for EMS badges.

[Guest partyrock]

Thank you. I completely agree. Why does EMS need them. For that matter, when off duty why does fire need them? Dept ID has always worked fine for me. The only thing I can think of is too look more like cops when people try to tin their way past cover charges and out of tickets.

[RWC130 594]

and... better seats at a Yankee Game! lol

[trauma74 111]

This topic has been discussed numerous times and has gotten pretty heated at times. There are MANY different styles and shaped badges, some gold, some silver, some with NYC seal in the middle, some with the NYS seal in the middle, some with the star of life in the middle. If I had to take a guess, the most common badge would probably be the New York City Detective style in gold and maybe a few in silver.

Many EMS badges are purchased privately by the individual EMS workers. Some get them for identification to go long with their ID card. Some get them to increase the chance that professional courtesy from a police officer will be extended to them.

Some EMS agencies issue badges to their members to be worn as part of their uniform. Some of these members keep these agency issued badges in their wallets when they are off duty for reasons that I stated above.

As mentioned in another post on this topic, I have seen EMS badges used to get better parking at some baseball stadiums.

[trauma74 111]

Here is an answer to the question I missed regarding where EMS personnel get their badges from.

There are places online or catalogs where badges can be ordered like in Galls or The Firestore.com

99% of public safety uniform suppliers can order badges for their customers. Some of these places make you show your agency ID prior to the order being processed. The owner of the shop my agency uses told me that on numerous occasions people have come into his shop looking to buy PD, FD or EMS badges. They did not have ID on them or they tried ordering a badge that did not jive with the ID card................ i.e. a VAC vollie came in and wanted to order a badge that said "police" on it. SALE DENIED!

[nycemt728 49]

Look, this issue has been discussed many times. Most get them privately, some agencies issue. There probably isn't a right answer to this question, hence all the discussion. There are pros and cons to EMS having them, and I'd point out that not all-as in most EMTs abuse their badges and sometimes cops and firefighters are guilty of that offense as well!. For orgs whose IDs look like a person could have made it at the library w/ photoshop, the badge can add an extra layer of credability. If on the slim perchance someone stops at an MVA or id's themselves at a medical emergency(since this appears to be a thing of the past), what is more believable in the public's eye-to wave around a little piece of paper from an org or the state OR calmly presenting that with a badge stating the same thing as the paper? Putting aside the potential for abuse, ideally it is a signal of authority and traiing that can help assure the public that we are trained and ready and willing to help.

Again, NOONE should abuse their badge and I would advocate for the arrest and prosecution of anyone who does. However, on the whole I don't think it's this big crime/horrible idea for EMS to have badges. The shape and design is a whole nother issue; to large to re-open here.

Edited May 10, 2007 by nycemt728

[Guest]

I think these are completely unnecessary and border line ridiculous . At work i arrived in an ambulance, I'm wearing all blue and i have patches that say NEW YORK STATE EMT and XXXX EMS. I've never had my identity questioned. Likewise, if i happen to stop at an MVA i identify myself as a NY State EMT and ask if i can help. Again, i have never had my identity or credentials questioned, nor have i ever waved my state card around.

They are extremely buffy, somewhat unprofessional and will only cause more trouble than they will ever rectify. Don't waste your hard earned money.

Note how the first badge resembles a NYC Detectives badge, this is probably the model I've seen most people flaunt.

[nycemt728 49]

So alpha out of curiousity, whats your position on ff's having badges then? Or bounty hunters perhaps? Both of these professions can equally be questioned....what does everyone else think?

[Stepjam 118]

I don't have a badge. I don't want one, either. I was never issued one by New York State when I completed my certification, and as far as I know it is up to individual agencies issue a badge as part of a duty uniform.

Many paid EMT's that I've spoken too are very uncomfortable wearing a badge, particularly in an "urban" environment. This is simply because that when combined with their street gear, the badges can cause them to be misidentified in a situation as law enforcement.

Leave your badge in the store.

[Guest]

If your job requires you to wear a badge, then you've gotta wear it.

If your job issues you one in which you have to carry then you gotta have it.

I don't know too much about FFs and their badges, i know some depts require they be worn on their duty shirts, just like some EMS agencies. My girlfriend's father is a Lt in the FDNY and i've never seen him wear his badge on his shirt. I know he has one in his wallet - i don't think it really serves him any purpose.

As far as bounty hunters....gah....don't get me started!

If your off duty do you really need a badge on you? Unless your a cop i really don't think so. If your being called back to work due to a large incident i suppose it could serve to confirm that your a FF or EMS worker and need to be allowed to pass through.

If i were issued a legitimate badge (not some piece of crap off galls) from work, i wouldn't carry it around. But, thats just me. I don't like nor do i need the world knowing I'm an EMT. I recall once last summer i got off of work @ 11p and was taking 684 home, i was probably doing like 75 and got pulled over just by Goldens Bridge. The trooper asks me why he pulled me over, yes trooper i was speeding, etc. then he asks me where i was coming from, i said work, he said where do you work i said xxx EMS, he said where are you going, i said home, and he said alright, have a great night and that was that. No need for a badge, at all.

I just think they are stupid. I really don't get paid enough to waste 50 bucks on some hunk of garbage from galls that has absolutely zero meaning and authority as far as NYS DOH and anyone else in the world is concerned. If someone is really that concerned about who i am, i am more than happy to take out my card and drivers license.

[Guest]

there is no reason for anyone to buy there own badge. if the agency issues you the badge, fine. if not you should not be buying your own. they can get you into more trouble than good.

[TimesUp 148]

I've read on hear before about e.m.t.'s getting badges. It seems for some that once certified as a e.m.t. the only thing to do next is get a badge. My Dept. issued me a badge. Which reminds me, I have'nt seen it in awhile. I might look for it.......maybe not.

I never carried it, never felt like I would need it to show somebody to prove what I am. Some guys I know carry it, then lose it, then have to report it missing and buy a new one.

Save your money.

[Fex404 0]

Unless your agency requires you have one while you work then i see no reason for people in EMS or fire to have one.

I saw that picture of the one that resembles the NY detective and i have searched and cant see anywhere that you can even get that -- which is good, but how do so many people have them?

[trauma74 111]

There are a few different ways to get the NYC Detective style badge. You can actually order them directly thru Smith & Warren badge company. I happen to know this because I was talking to the owner of my local uniform shop and he said they are not hard to get.

[Guest]

Unless your agency requires you have one while you work then i see no reason for people in EMS or fire to have one.

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second that

[64FFMJK 21]

thuugh I don't know if I want the state to issue badges to EMT's I feel that the state is long overdue to revamp the EMT cards that they do issue. They already have the majority of photos on file from DL's so how hard would it be for the state to issue a photo ID forthe EMT card. I HAVE had my identity questioned on calls and it is only going to continue to get more common with people unfimiliar with volunteer based services moving to areas covered by volunteers that have to respond in personal cars to provide service untill the comercial EMS gets on scene.

This is the system that NYS implimented with NYS security licenses and even if the cost of classs went up to caover this how many people here realy paid for class out of their own pockets vs the number that were sponcered by an agency.

[Guest]

thuugh I don't know if I want the state to issue badges to EMT's I feel that the state is long overdue to revamp the EMT cards that they do issue.  They already have the majority of photos on file from DL's so how hard would it be for the state to issue a photo ID forthe EMT card.  I HAVE had my identity questioned on calls and it is only going to continue to get more common with people unfimiliar with volunteer based services moving to areas covered by volunteers that have to respond in personal cars to provide service untill the comercial EMS gets on scene.

This is the system that NYS implimented with NYS security licenses and even if the cost of classs went up to caover this how many people here realy paid for class out of their own pockets vs the number that were sponcered by an agency.

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I think it would be a great idea. A credit card type with photo, etc. and a barcode or chip in it with all the persons info. Problem is bro, paper is alot cheaper than plastic and color ink nickel and dimmed once again

[Guest]

I was gonna let this one go but if I didnt get on my "soap box" you guys wouldnt recognize me, lol. I personaly think that we should have shields with an id card, There is pride that goes with it there is tradition that goes with it. Just listen to the words from these post dont want dont care dont need who cares dont want anyone to know,When I was in Medic class my instructor who was in EMS longer than most of you were alive would say that We(EMS) are our own worst enemy.We dont have any pride in our profesion. as for the state DOH last year at pulse check( thats another story lol) his name slips my mind but he was giving a DOH update and shields came up he said that the opinion was that we should have state issued shields but they didnt think it was possible to get them back when people expired, as for acting inappropiately with them if you act UN-profesional you should be held accountable end of story. Why is it so bad to be in a uniform that is pressed and shined shoes or a tie if you are not in a tactical style ( the one with patches with no metal) oh well I guess I am just a buff which I have never denied.......

[Guest WolfEMT]

They are simply unnecessary. Medics and EMTs have enough paraphernalia on their uniforms to denote who they are. My department gave me a badge several years ago, and aside from the parade uniforms we have, it sits in a drawer and I never wear it. If my department ID card, duty shirt, supplies, or the fact that I came to the scene on a big white ambulance with bright lights and a loud siren doesn't serve as enough identification, then I don't know what does.

Edited May 17, 2007 by WolfEMT

[WAS967 97]

his name slips my mind but he was giving a DOH update and shields came up

Could it have been Mike McEvoy? I just happened to be reading his updates from the SEMSCO the other day. It included the following:

1.The recent NYPD arrest of a Central Park Medical Unit EMT for carrying an EMT badge in his briefcase through a Federal Courthouse security checkpoint prompted a letter from CPMU’s attorney to DOH (see: www.cpmu.com/EMTShields.pdf).  Counsel asked if NYS EMTs can carry a badge – DOH recognizes that it is common practice for EMS providers to purchase and carry their own badge and responded indicating that a certified provider may display an emblem and that Webster’s Dictionary defines a badge as an emblem.  Phew!

[Guest partyrock]

I think it would be a great idea. A credit card type with photo, etc. and a barcode or chip in it with all the persons info. Problem is bro, paper is alot cheaper than plastic and color ink nickel and dimmed once again 

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You guys forget that the majority of EMT's don't work for an EMS agency. The majority are cops, ff's, teachers, lifeguards, etc who have the certification as a condition of employment or for their own personal knowledge. Let the state save a few bucks, or howabout anm ID program that people can request and pay for. Maybe make a buck off the buffs.

[64FFMJK 21]

This is the system that NYS implimented with NYS security licenses and even if the cost of classs went up to caover this how many people here realy paid for class out of their own pockets vs the number that were sponcered by an agency.

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You guys forget that the majority of EMT's don't work for an EMS agency.  The majority are cops, ff's, teachers, lifeguards, etc who have the certification as a condition of employment or for their own personal knowledge.  Let the state save a few bucks, or howabout anm ID program that people can request and pay for.  Maybe make a buck off the buffs.

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Like I said in my first post put the added cost into the cost of the class. How much do you think it costs NY state to print a photo ID when they have your photo on file at the DMV even if it is an extra $25.00 then big deal. Most of you are forgeting that you show up in a big ambulance but there are many more people that show up in personal cars that are members of departments that do not issue a department ID. Then again I also beleve that every volunteer firefighter or EMT in NY should have a STATE photo ID for the Department just in case we ever have a masive activation of emergancy services for a national disaster or worse. Its time that the NY state office of emergancy managment ponies up some of their funds for a good cause and get orginised in case there is an actual time when people fromj around the state are converging on a area as happened with the flooding last year upstate and several other times. It might be a benifit since it could be tied into a database with the state that could be updated anualy by each deptartment and show levels of training or at least specialised rescue training.

I will simply say that there are plenty of grants out there to be gotten if the state tried to get funding for a project such as this not only would they probaby get the funding they could and up as a modle for other states to follow.

Edited May 17, 2007 by 64FFMJK

[Guest partyrock]

While this horse still has some life left in it I'll continue to beat it...If you show up on scene act professionally and identify yourself. If you're there as a civilian before any first responders arrive you will be well recieved and your efforts appreciated. People are not going to stop you and ask for your certifications. I've seen it happen dozens of times.

[Danger 160]

If you show up on scene act professionally and identify yourself.  If you're there as a civilian before any first responders arrive you will be well recieved and your efforts appreciated.  People are not going to stop you and ask for your certifications.  I've seen it happen dozens of times.

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I disagree. When volunteers show up in Van Halen t-shirts and ripped jeans, they can be the best EMTs in the world, but when the Medic shows up in a uniform, a badge and a monitor, they take him as the word of God...And rightfully so, for looking, being and acting professional.

[Guest]

I disagree. When volunteers show up in Van Halen t-shirts and ripped jeans, they can be the best EMTs in the world, but when the Medic shows up in a uniform, a badge and a monitor, they take him as the word of God...And rightfully so, for looking, being and acting professional.

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I agree wholeheartedly, but i don't think the badge is what does it. In that case, i think its the uniform at work (if a badge is apart of that so be it, but its not the badge alone). I've seen far more EMS personnel without badges on their uniform than with badges.

Edited May 23, 2007 by 66Alpha1

[Danger 160]

I agree, the badge does not make the medic

[efd184 59]

i think the badge is a joke

and wearing it on your neck like a NYPD detective is an even bigger joke

YOUR NOT A DETECTIVE just a vol emt.

Edited May 23, 2007 by efd184

[helicopper 1,050]

I agree, the badge does not make the medic

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Da#n straight!!! I've worked in systems that required badges (and issued them) and agencies that didn't. In both, the personnel looked professional, acted professional, and were treated with respect.

I've also worked in systems where personnel responded in civilian clothes and even when they were not quite as sharp as we would probably like, they acted professional and were treated as professionals.

I happen to like uniformed EMS personnel but don't see any need for badges (issued or otherwise). With everyone switching to tactical style uniforms and embroidered name tapes, it does make it less of an issue.

Look the part, act the part, and you'll be treated the way you want. I've seen plenty of people WITH badges (from alot of agenies) act like a complete jack@$$ and not deserve any respect so you can't convince me that the badge makes the slightest difference.

[Guest paramedico987]

If for no other reason, don't carry it because it's that much more weight you've got to carry up and down the stairs.

[Remember585 815]

EMT or Medic - you don't need a badge nor a uniform.

You need to show not only the patient, but the crew, family and by-standers that you know what you are doing and carry yourself in a professional, confident manner. A badge nor a uniform doesn't mean jack.

Been doing EMS for 15 years, certified for 13 of them and only wore a uniform time to time when working EMS. Most of the stuff I have done is in my free time, in my personal clothes (no Van Halen shirts...) and because I know what I am doing and I keep everyone informed of what I plan on doing and what I have found....they respect me.