Paramedics don body armour for new tactical emergency unit

CTV Winnipeg: Paramedics don body armour Jeff Keele on the new tactical emergency medical unit in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg paramedics will now work side by side with police officers to provide faster life-saving care.

At crime scenes deemed unsafe, paramedics are forced to set up blocks away.

Now, paramedics in full body armour will accompany the police as part of a new tactical emergency medical support unit.

"It will definitely make a difference, especially with injuries associated with high velocity weapons - penetrating trauma, blast injuries,” said David Johnston from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

The unit is a one-year pilot project set to hit the streets on June 28.