By FireRescue1 Staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A fire department has requested body armor and police escorts for paramedics after an ambulance was hit by gunfire.
WCHS TV reported that the Charleston Fire Department wants paramedics to wear protective gear and have police accompany them on calls after 10 to 12 shots were fired around an ambulance, one of which hit the vehicle.
Lt. David Hodges said he has leftover equipment from the police department, but wants to make sure acquiring body armor is a priority.
New recruits are also undergoing self-defense training and learning what to do if they believe weapons might be present on a call.
The department said they do not want paramedics to carry weapons.