Bulletproof vests for Urgent Medical Aid Services in France

Sioen delivered the first bulletproof vests to the Samu in the departement “Var”, one of the largest ambulance centers in France. Samu is the central control function of the emergency medical services in France, a mix of organisations under public health control including first response vehicles or ambulances with or without a physician-led car and "mobile intensive care units". Samu is the abbreviation of “Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente” or Urgent Medical Aid Service.

The bullet proof vests of Sioen are a standard garment in the outfit of the caregiver in a range of very particular situations. According to the Samu (Var) the decision to dress the ambulance staff with body armours is the result of several years of reflection. It was taken in a context of growing violence that first aid caregivers are facing. These days, agents are dealing with a lot of factors that can bring their own safety in danger. Because of that, organizations are looking for extra protection for their teams. Samu (Var) chose to use bulletproof vests to make sure their agents are safer.

The scenarios for which the bulletproof vests will be used are:

  • In the first place when patients are violent or psychiatric;
  • Secondly in contact with prisoners;
  • and in sensitive neighborhoods;
  • or during terrorist attacks the agents will wear extra protection;
  • A last scenario is when there are gunshots heard or knifes used.

With the use of body armours, Samu (Var) wants to decrease the number of victims during an intervention and to increase the sense of wellbeing of the caregiver. Feeling safe and protected helps them to do their job. Sioen is proud to be able to protect these people in difficult situations related to their job whilst saving lives.

As a part of the Sioen Industries Group, Sioen Ballistics is thé brand for ballistics protection. New armour solutions are developed in our own in-house shooting labs. These test facilities are used for the development of customized ballistic solutions and for conducting regular quality control. The tested threats can range from smallest fragments up to highest rifle calibers. This possibility in conjunction with the broadest stab and slash testing facilities ensures that the result is a world class protective solution.

For more information about Sioen ballistics, go to sioenarmour.com

Source picture and documentary on local television.