After crew member assaulted and gun found, board considers protective vests, restraint policy and officer ride‑along requirements

Mr. Floyd reported that on June 24 a crew responded to an unresponsive or semi-responsive patient who became belligerent during transport and struck a crew member. He said responding Salem police found a handgun in the patient’s right front pocket at the hospital. "That could have been a bad thing," he said, noting that had the patient drawn the weapon "it'd have been over for one or two of them." The board treated the account as a near-miss for crew safety.

Board members discussed policy options: ensuring violent patients are restrained, arranging for an officer to ride with crews when handcuffs are used so crews can respond to medical needs, and equipping crews with protective vests for higher-risk calls. Mr. Floyd said he had spoken with the sheriff’s office and also contacted suppliers; he reported price guidance for an "alpha" neutral sizing vest ranging roughly from $800 to $2,400 per vest and noted fitting and plate considerations.

Members also raised procurement and funding questions. A board member suggested pursuing grant funding and Mr. Floyd agreed to follow up with vendors and to get firm pricing and fitting details so the board could act before the next meeting if appropriate. The board did not adopt a new formal policy at the meeting but directed staff to seek prices and grant options and to report back.