AUSTIN, Texas — The calls for help can take medics into danger.
Over the weekend, paramedics arrived at scenes of violence following five shootings.
Last year, in response to the Austin bombings, an Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) team embedded with the Austin Police Department’s SWAT team to have medical care standing ready.
Medics are unarmed, but ATCEMS Commander Kevin Parker said they don’t need guns.
“We call it 'getting them off of the X.' The 'X' is where the injury occurred and an area that may not be safe. Our objective is to get people off of the X to an area we control and the police have helped to secure,” Commander Parker said.
His team, which handles response during large events, received upgraded bulletproof vests last fall. The vests can withstand being shot by a rifle.
"Our desire is to be a solution to the problem, not part of the problem,” Commander Parker said.
Inside the vests, paramedics pack tourniquets and other first-aid items.
“If you get into a bad situation, your vest will protect you and the gear that you carry is going to treat the initial couple of patients,” Commander Parker said.
ATCEMS also works alongside Austin police to ensure safety.
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