Alameda County Emergency Medical Services is proud to have been intricately involved with Urban Shield for many years in various capacities. We are excited about the addition of 2 new checkpoints that will significantly involve both EMS providers and fire departments from across the entire Bay Area.  

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has always been an important partner with law enforcement in the response to crime, accidents, fires and other emergencies. EMS supports law enforcement efforts by providing Advanced Life Support capabilities within a moments notice. Fire department based EMS providers, 911 contracted ambulance providers, and other private ambulance services all work side by side with law enforcement on a daily basis. Law enforcement, fire department services and EMS support are much like a “three legged stool” with each component being critical to the success of an operation. 

Jim Morrissey

Urban Shield’s Impact to EMS: In efforts to prepare for the” Worst Case Scenario” be it earthquake, Pandemic Flu or a terrorist attack we all ponder how we would  react, or respond. Will I be paralyzed with fear? Lash out in anger or hide in terror? We hope to never know. There are those that look these events in the eye and challenge, themselves, their departments, and governments to test, learn and prepare for such events. It is in this vein that we work for months to bring about URBAN SHIELD.

Being invited to participate has been an honor and very humbling. I have been very impressed with the people, departments and agencies who have been involved from inception to completion in 2007, 2008 and now in planning 2009. The professionalism, the commitment to detail and the importance of safety of all involved is notable.  The agencies and people involved in Urban Shield are incredibly talented and experts in their respective fields be it EMS, Fire , Law Enforcement, Public Health and the list goes on. The act of bringing these separate entities together creates an opportunity to work and train. It is these relationship and resources that will serve us well if we ever need to come together for a Real World Event.

Brendalyn “Val”  Bilotti