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Opioids, narcotics, and mental illness have been exacting a devastating toll on American society. When victims of drug abuse writhe in distress on the floor of a motel room or a city sidewalk, it's the paramedics who race to the forefront to stabilize the patient, readying them for a crucial journey to the hospital. One might naturally assume that those on the receiving end of an EMT's compassionate aid would be, at the very least, appreciative. However, the dark grip of drugs has a knack for distorting reality, making individuals delusional, paranoid, or, regrettably, prone to violence.

In the face of such challenges, we have to ask: How can we better protect these courageous men and women who risk their safety (and at times, even their lives) to save others? Statistics from a 2017 CDC report paint a grim picture. According to the report, more than 2,000 EMS professionals are injured annually in violence-related incidents. This statistic is a staggering 22 times higher than the national average for all workers. A separate report suggests female EMS personnel may face an even greater risk of violence-related injuries, further illustrating the need for action.

Consider the case of two EMTs who responded to a call at a J.W. Marriott in Georgia. They courageously rushed to aid a person who had collapsed in a lobby bathroom, only to find themselves under a violent attack. Another incident unfolded in New York, where an EMT was viciously stabbed while trying to provide assistance.

In light of these sobering realities, it's imperative that EMTs seriously consider integrating bulletproof vests into their standard gear. One promising solution lies in BulletSafe vests, which offer not only bulletproof protection but also defense against stabbing and slashing injuries. While originally designed to protect users against ballistic threats, the BulletSafe VP3, the company’s lightest and most comfortable model which gives wearers the protection they need for the most probable threats.

These vests are designed to withstand various forms of violence, from bullets to sharp-edged weapons such as ice picks or hatchets.

The secret to their effectiveness lies in their construction. Crafted from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an aramid fiber blend, BulletSafe vests consist of multiple aramid layers carefully stacked to create a lightweight yet formidable defense. Their ballistic layers of a VP3 are NIJ-certified to Level IIIA, ensuring protection against bullets up to .44 magnum, while also being effective at preventing stabbing and slashing attacks from sharp-edged weapons.

EMTs are the unsung heroes who confront the chaos and dangers of the world every day. In their selfless pursuit of saving lives, they often find themselves in perilous situations, exposed to violence. The CDC's alarming statistics and real-life accounts of EMTs under attack underscore the urgency of equipping them with the best protection available.

BulletSafe vests offer a lifeline, ensuring EMTs can carry out their life-saving duties with enhanced confidence and safety. The incorporation of bulletproof vests into their standard gear is not just practical; it's a moral imperative. Protecting those who dedicate their lives to saving others is a duty society must uphold. As we continue to revere and respect the invaluable work of EMTs, we must prioritize their safety, with bulletproof vests serving as a crucial element of that commitment.

In a world where personal safety is paramount, the use of protective gear has become more prevalent than ever. One crucial piece of equipment in the realm of personal protection is the bulletproof vest. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, security professional, or concerned citizen, wearing a properly fitted bulletproof vest can make a significant difference in your safety. Ill-fitting armor not only compromises its effectiveness but also hampers your mobility and comfort. In this article, we'll delve into the key steps to ensure your bulletproof vest fits properly.

Understand the Importance of Proper Fit

Before delving into the specifics of fitting a bulletproof vest, it's essential to understand why a proper fit matters. A bulletproof vest is designed to absorb and disperse the impact energy of bullets or other projectiles, thereby reducing the risk of injury. However, for it to perform optimally, it needs to be snugly fitted to your body. A loose vest may shift upon impact, reducing its protective capabilities, while an overly tight vest could limit your movement and lead to discomfort.

Take Accurate Measurements

The first step in ensuring a well-fitting bulletproof vest is to take accurate measurements of your body. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure your chest, waist, and hips. It's important to measure over the clothing you would typically wear underneath the vest, such as a uniform or shirt. Be sure to measure both while standing and while seated, as the vest should accommodate your movements in various positions.

Consult the Sizing Chart

BulletSafe bulletproof vests come in various sizes, determined by a user’s height and weight. Use the measurements you've taken to consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. If you find yourself on the upper end of a particular size, it would be safer to get one size larger than what’s recommended. For example, a 5’2” 350lb man would find himself at the end of the 3XL size spectrum, but in truth he would be better off with a 4XL vest, which would allow better mobility and comfort.

However, if you are a heavy person with a slim stomach such as a bodybuilder, you would do well to order one size smaller.

Consider Your Clothing

Keep in mind that wearing your bulletproof vest under your regular clothing can add some bulk. It’s advisable to wear a t-shirt or tank top underneath to prevent chafing. If your intended use requires you to wear multiple layers or thicker clothing, such as during colder weather, account for this when choosing the vest size and choose jackets that are one size larger for more arm mobility.

Check for Adjustability

Most modern bulletproof vests come with adjustable straps and panels to fine-tune the fit. When putting on the vest, it's easier to undo only one side of the vest before donning it, rather than undoing both sides and the shoulders. Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure the proper length, making sure the vest isn't riding up too high or too low. The vest should cover the area between the clavicle and the navel, aligning its top edge with the uppermost part of your sternum and the bottom edge with your navel. This placement ensures protection for your vital organs and comfortable movement when sitting down.

Test Mobility

It's important to note that most vests will not fit properly right out of the box. They will have to be adjusted to the individual wearer's body. After fitting the vest, test your mobility by performing a range of movements, including bending, reaching, sitting, and squatting. The vest should allow you to move comfortably in both sitting and standing positions. If the vest is placed too low below the navel, it may ride up when you sit down, causing discomfort. However, the vest does not need to be flush with a duty belt; leaving room for hip rotation and sitting/standing comfort is important.

Investing in a bulletproof vest is a significant step towards personal safety, but its effectiveness hinges on proper fit. A well-fitted vest not only enhances protection but also allows for comfortable movement during critical moments. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your bulletproof vest fits properly and serves as an effective shield in potentially dangerous situations. Remember, the right fit could make all the difference between safety and vulnerability.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably worried about your next-door neighbor, who, for all you know could be a drug-addled hardened criminal intent on stealing all your stuff, burning down your home, and kidnapping your dog; or you’re afraid of your psychotic ex who knows where you live and wants to return to your place do the exact same thing. You want to make sure you’re well-defended. You may have a gun at home, but you’re not going to be there all the time. In desperation, you may be tempted to “Home Alone” your house to make sure uninvited guests don’t leave unscathed.

This is stupid. Don’t booby trap your home.

While not explicitly illegal in federal law, laying booby traps around your house indicates an intent to cause harm, and if a home invader dies because of your expertly rigged shotgun trap, then you have committed murder. This would be especially true if you were nowhere near the trap when it went off, negating any self-defense claims. The courts will destroy you.

Instead of turning your home into a suburban Viet Cong bunker, focus instead on turning it into an unassailable castle. There are several legal things you can do to turn your home or apartment into a hardened target that can be done without too much strain on your wallet or your convenience.

Peepholes and Peephole Cameras

The antiquated peephole is no longer the best option for checking who’s at the door. You won’t be able to see much, and your view will likely be distorted. By replacing your traditional peephole with a Ring Peephole Camera, you’ll be able to see more of what’s going on outside your door, even from your own mobile device or PC. The 1080p full color HD camera wakes up whenever someone rings its integrated doorbell or triggers its motion sensor, and it comes with built-in night vision to detect anyone approaching in the darkness.

Reinforcing your door

A door bar, also known as a door jammer or door stopper, is a cheap, effective way to block any would-be intruders. Relying on physics instead of locks, a security bar is placed between your doorknob and the ground, creating a brace which makes the door impossible to open. Typically adjustable in length, they consist of a bar or rod that can be extended or retracted to fit different door widths.

High-quality door security bars are designed to be tamper-resistant. They may have features such as non-slip rubberized grips on both ends to ensure a secure fit and prevent damage to the floor and door.

Since they’re usually placed during the night when the homeowner is sleeping most door security bars are designed for quick and easy removal in case of an emergency or when you need to leave the house. You can simply release the pressure on the bar, retract it, and put it away.

Door security bars are particularly useful for reinforcing the security of doors that may have weaker locks or are located in high crime areas. They can also be packed in a bag and used in sketchy motels. While a door security bar can add an extra layer of protection, it's important to note that it's not a substitute for proper locks and other security measures. It's always a good idea to have a comprehensive security strategy that includes strong locks, proper lighting, and possibly even a security system to ensure your safety and the security of your property.

Reinforcing windows

A simple $12 piece of plastic is all you need to stop undesirables from sliding open your windows. As long as your window isn’t simply a large piece of glass big enough for a grown man to slip through, the Burglabar is a simple device which sticks to your windows to prevent them from being opened from the outside.

This 3x2x1.38 inch self-locking hinge can be put on any sliding door or window to keep home invaders out or keep toddlers or little children in, whether a window is pulled up or down or slid to the side. For older windows or shutters that open inwards, shutter locks reinforced a simple stick cut to the length of the window and placed on the base of the shutter should be good enough to prevent entry.

Lawn

If you have a second-floor window and all you can see out of it is a tree, the window is useless, and the tree needs to go. Not only will you be able to get the benefits of more vitamin D from sunlight, but you’ll also get a view of the exterior of your house, and you’ll be able to see anyone approaching from far away.

If you imagine your home as a castle, your upper floor windows are the home defense equivalent of watchtowers, and watching the approaches to your castle gate is a vital part of any defensive strategy. Bushes or shrubs in your lawn also provide places for people to hide, either if someone is fleeing from another residence onto your property or if someone is waiting to ambush you when you walk to your garage.

I know I mentioned not to booby trap your home earlier in this article, but consider planting thorny bushes and shrubs like barberries, blackberries, cacti, or crown of thorns plants to act as a sort of natural barbed wire fence and keep home intruders away while keeping your lawn looking nice. Houseplants are neither booby traps nor deadly weapons.

Safe Room/Panic Room

A safe room doesn’t necessarily have to be an armored vault with enough food and ammo to get you and your family through a siege. Growing up, the saferoom in my house was mom and dad’s room, because it was located at the end of a narrow hallway and only had one entrance and exit. The procedure was that in the event of an emergency, I would grab my gun, head to dad’s room, he’d grab his 12ga Armscor M30 and I’d grab my .22lr AK trainer and we’d both point it at the door while waiting for whoever or whatever was in the house to finish its business and get out.

The logic in choosing a defensible position in your home is that it may be more dangerous to go looking for the intruder, especially with a flashlight that announces your presence long before you step into a room. Once a hostile knows he’s likely to be compromised, he’ll either run, change his position to hide more effectively, or fight you. Moreover, getting your entire family in one room together ensures you will be able to defend them if you are the sole firearm owner, or preferably, fight together with them if all of you have your own personal firearms.

If the burglar in question takes any of your possessions, so be it. The primary purpose of home defense is to safeguard your life and the lives of your family. No amount of money or valuables is worth your life.

Personal Protection

In the event of a break-in, we must assume the intruder is armed and dangerous. When you’re awoken by the sound of breaking glass, you may want to don body armor before reaching for your weapon and flashlight to head for your saferoom.

BulletSafe VP3 vests are NIJ certified and rated to Level IIIA, purpose-built to stop most handgun rounds up to .44 magnum. The most common pistol round in the United States today is the 9mm, so a Level IIIA vest would be more than adequate protection for such a threat. For more potent threats such as intruders armed with AR-15s, a Level IV Tactical Plate Carrier Kit is preferred. Like BulletSafe’s VP3, the armor plate inserts in a tactical plate carrier kit are NIJ certified. Made of rigid ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and a blend of aramid fibers, these Level IV plates are rated to stop rifle rounds up to .30-06 AP.

When it comes to preparing for home defense, it's crucial to prioritize your own safety and those of your loved ones when creating a secure environment in your home.

Investing in modern security measures like peephole cameras and door security bars can significantly enhance your home's defense capabilities, so can securing windows with cost-effective devices like the Burglabar. Additionally, strategic landscaping choices, like carefully placed thorny bushes and shrubs, can create a natural deterrent without resorting to dangerous traps.

Establishing a safe room or panic room within your home serves as a practical defense strategy. By gathering your family members in one fortified location, you can better safeguard their well-being while avoiding unnecessary confrontations with intruders. Lastly, equipping yourself with body armor, such as NIJ-certified Level IIIA vests or Level IV plate carriers, can offer vital protection against potential threats, allowing you to respond more confidently and effectively.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while safeguarding your property is important, prioritizing life and safety should always remain paramount. By adopting legal, thoughtful, and effective home defense strategies, you can create a secure haven that protects both your physical well-being and your peace of mind.

Green tip ammo, officially known as the 62gr M855 round, has long been associated with speculation about its ability to pierce body armor. However, that’s far from the truth, and the shooters of today would do well to disregard the hearsay and misconceptions that have unfairly tarnished its reputation as a round too dangerous for civilian use.

The M855 green tip features a steel tip over a tungsten-composite or lead core, encased in a full copper jacket. While it is true that this round can penetrate a steel helmet at 800 yards, it is essential to clarify that it is not classified as an armor-piercing round by the ATF.

Originally designed with the intention of enhanced penetration compared to standard FMJ rounds, the M855 green tip has been criticized as a "big bad body armor breaker." Yet, recent tests have shown that this reputation is not entirely warranted. In fact, it failed to penetrate a BulletSafe Level IV vest during rigorous testing, demonstrating its limitations against modern body armor.

For hunters, the green tip is unsuitable due to its lack of expansion, causing minimal tissue damage and limited blood loss in animals. Similarly, for self-defense purposes, its tendency to over penetrate makes it less than ideal for close-quarters encounters. Additionally, the 1-in-9 inch twist rate might reduce its performance in short-barreled weapons.

However, it is crucial to understand the original purpose behind the design of the M855 round. Invented in the 1970s and initially designated as the SS109, it was primarily focused on flight stability and penetration of light barriers, such as wood, glass, sheet metal, and heavy clothing. The development of body armor-penetrating rounds was not a priority at the time, as the first SAPI plates capable of stopping rifle fire only became available in the early 2000s.

Despite the green tip's limitations and lack of true armor-piercing capabilities, it has faced unwarranted fear and scrutiny. In 2015, the ATF attempted to reclassify the round as armor-piercing, sparking nationwide concern among gun owners. However, passionate responses from responsible firearm enthusiasts highlighted the inaccuracies of such claims and the potential infringement on Second Amendment rights, leading the ATF to withdraw their proposal.

Apart from the armor-piercing debate, there are other reasons why certain firing ranges prohibit the use of green tip ammo. It has been observed that prolonged use of this ammunition on steel targets can gradually degrade the steel, making it thinner with each hit. Additionally, the steel jacket of the M855 can produce sparks upon impact, posing a fire hazard.

If green tipped ammo is no good for piercing armor, can’t be shot at the range, and can’t be used for hunting, then what is it good for?

Long ranged shooting. That is, as long ranged as a 5.56x45mm can go. An M855 has impressive ballistics thanks to its steel core and is more accurate than a standard FMJ at ranges up to 800 yards. It also maintains supersonic flight until the same range, while ordinary FMJ rounds begin to lose supersonic velocity after around 650 yards of travel. A green tip’s round also tends to have less drop, giving it a flatter and thus more accurate trajectory.

While many state that green tip ammo is great because it’s military-issue, NATO militaries use the M855 ammo not only because of its impressive accuracy but because their hands are bound by the Hague convention on expanding ammo. The 1899 Hague Declaration stated:

“The Contracting Parties agree to abstain from the use of bullets which expand or flatten easily in the human body, such as bullets with a hard envelope which does not entirely cover the core or is pierced with incisions.”

This means, in essence, that the average civilian who is unbound by the articles of the Hague can purchase better, more destructive ammo for self-defense rather than rely on what the governments of NATO give to its soldiers.

While it is evident that green tip ammo is not the ultimate armor-piercing round as believed by some, it does find its niche in long-range shooting. With impressive ballistics and increased accuracy compared to standard FMJ rounds at extended ranges, it caters to the needs of precision shooters looking to engage targets up to 800 yards away.

In conclusion, the M855 green tip ammo's negative reputation as an illegal bullet is undeserved, as it is not officially classified as armor-piercing by the ATF. Its limitations in hunting, self-defense, and close-quarters scenarios are apparent, but its strengths lie in long-range target practice. By understanding the true capabilities of this ammunition, hunters and shooters can make informed decisions based on facts rather than misconceptions.

The versatility of MOLLE webbing allows those who wear plate carriers to put on a wide variety of attachments, allowing quick access to tools without having to fumble around looking for items in rucksacks, waist bags, or fanny packs. Tactical accessories include items ranging from essential to situational, and great care should be taken to ensure they are easy to reach. 

Mag pouches: used for storing your magazines. A good number of these should be kept on your plate carrier, as they will be essential in a firefight. However, keep in mind the old military adage that “pounds equal pain” and that an excessive number of magazines in an normally peaceful environment such as a shopping center in the wealthy part of town will be both unnecessary and bad for your back. However, carrying 12 magazines while pulling security for an international company operating in a middle eastern hotspot may be necessary, since engaging a large number of enemy combatants is a realistic possibility. 

Drop pouches: Used to catch empty magazines during tactical reloads, a drop pouch is a range accessory. There is no need to wear one on duty, since the precious seconds spent carefully tossing your empty magazine into your drop pouch can instead be spent engaging a threat. When performing tactical reloads in the real world, just drop your magazine. There’s a man trying to kill you on the other side, and he would like it very much if you turned your attention away from him just to toss away your empty mag for cleanliness’s sake. 

IFAK: Your individual first aid kit is a necessity, whether your kit is for security, law enforcement, or private contract work. The first aid kit should contain essentials such as bandages, disinfectant, cotton balls, scissors, and a tourniquet; essentially everything needed to stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound. The first aid kit is not a field surgeon’s bag, you are not a medic. It is meant to stop you or one other person from bleeding out. It does not necessarily need to have aspirin for headaches or tums for an upset stomach. The IFAK should be easily accessible and should not require the wearer to contort his or her arm in a position that would be impossible for an injured individual to pull off. 

Radio: Your radio should be easily accessible in such a way that you’d be able to queue it with one hand. Usually placed on the shoulder strap of your vest, it would be a bad idea to place your radio on your hop or any other body part that moves while you’re moving. 

Multitool: An optional, but sometimes necessary accessory. You’ll never know when you’ll need a screwdriver to tighten a loose bolt on your weapon or a knife to cut off the excess tail of a zip tie. The modern multitool also has scissors for cutting bandages, pliers for utility work, and a bottle opener. Try not to go anywhere without a knife of some sort. You’ll never know when you might need it. 

Hydration: This is a must. If you’re spending any good amount of time in the outdoors wearing what is essentially a weighted vest, a canteen pouch on your vest or a CamelBak on the back would be a great option. While many hydration packs come with backpack-type straps, some are outfitted with MOLLE webbing to be attached to the backs of a MOLLE-compatible tactical vest. 

Flashlight: If you work security, you might be required to patrol dark parking lots or dimly lit alleys. Flashlights are also needed for peering into corners or under vehicles. It’s also useful for signaling others and can work as a nonlethal self-defense tool in a pinch. A modern tactical flashlight is small enough to conceal in its own pocket or secured by a clip on a MOLLE strap. 

Pen and paper: Note-taking is essential when working any job that requires you to have attention to detail. Working a job that requires you to be out in the field with a rifle and armor is no exception. Police officers may need to jot down details of a crime as well as potential witnesses and suspects. License plates of offending vehicles and street maps may also need to be noted. 

Armor plates: Your tactical vest is little more than a front-facing backpack if it isn’t packed with armored plates. BulletSafe offers lightweight IIIA bulletproof panels for stopping pistol rounds up to .44 magnum as well as rigid, heavy duty Level IV plates capable of defeating rifle fire up to .30-06 AP. Regardless of which you choose, know that BulletSafe’s materials are NIJ certified, guaranteeing high quality protection.