VEST Blog — healthcare workplace violence prevention, EMS violence prevention, and firefighter de‑escalation training

Articles on healthcare workplace violence prevention, EMS violence prevention, and firefighter de‑escalation—plus practical responder safety tips and training updates.

Violence Against EMS: A Growing Threat to America's Lifesavers

Nearly half of EMS workers face physical assaults on the job. Education, de-escalation, and training are key to protecting first responders.

Sep 11, 2025•7 min readEMSWorkplace ViolenceFirst RespondersDe-escalationSafetyHealthcare

By Jacob Huber

HUGE NEWS: NFPA 455 Update to Include Verbal De-escalation and Self-Defense Training

In 2026, NFPA 455 will require fire and EMS providers to receive both verbal de-escalation and self-defense training — a landmark step in addressing workplace violence against first responders.

Aug 24, 2025•6 min readEMSFirefightersSafetyTrainingWorkplace Violence

By Jacob Huber

The Danger of Responding First: Violence Against First Responders is Rising

A recent FOX4 News report highlights that 80% of EMS workers experienced physical assault in 2024. At VEST First Responder, we believe training in de-escalation and self-defense is essential to protect those who protect us.

Aug 20, 2025•8 min readEMSFirefightersSafetyTrainingWorkplace Violence

By Jacob Huber

Learning from Boulder: When Restraint and Sedation Become Deadly

A Boulder, CO paramedic faces manslaughter charges after sedating and restraining a patient who later died. This case highlights critical lessons for EMS on safety, ethics, and patient care.

Jul 13, 2025•7 min readEMSPatient SafetyTraining

By Jacob Huber

Kansas City Paramedic Injured in Ambulance Altercation: A Wake-Up Call for EMS Safety

A Kansas City paramedic was hospitalized after an altercation in the back of an ambulance. The incident highlights the urgent need for violence-prevention training in EMS.

Jun 20, 2025•6 min readEMSViolence PreventionSafetyTraining

By Jacob Huber