PRU Equipment/Clothing Proposal

Objective
The PRU Program was started in November 2018. Through almost a year of time on
the project, and with consultation and discussions with team members, there have
been challenges that we have encountered that could cause potential difficulties in
the future. Most of these challenges could be alleviated or eliminated with the
addition of certain pieces of equipment or clothing not included in the standard
issue.

There is a need for hands-free equipment due to the independent work we do, as
well as a need for gear that has the ability to be compact and adaptable to our
working environment and personal style.

Requests:
Flashlights/Headlamps
The team has a need for smaller, personal lighting sources to use in darker
environments. There are several options available that would suit each practioner’s
style. Choices range from headlamps, to handhelds, or vest/helmet attachable.

Bags/Packs
There have been several events in which the size of our gear became an issue,
particularly when we have had to extricate patients from remote areas. To be able to
transport the patient on a spine board, the passenger seat needs to collapse and that
means there is limited space for gear. There are a variety of compact and versatile
backpacks available that would help with this.

Raptors/Leatherman
The Raptors sheer and Leatherman are both lightweight and compact tools that
would help the team member solve a multitude of issues if they have limited access
to the tools in their unit

Thermal Underwear/Quick Dry T-Shirt/Beanie/Hat/Socks

The team might not have the luxury of being able to don/doff rain gear due to call
volume. A quick-dry option would help the practioner stay comfortable and warm
in a cold/wet environment, as well as cool in hotter conditions.

Belts/Pouches/Carabineers
Each individual on the team has a different working style and have different
approaches to how they like to prepare for patient treatment. For example, some
create personalized, rapid access IV kits, while others use IV/Trauma leg bags.

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There are several pouches/leg bags available, as well as a compatible belt, all of
which would assist the practitioner to initiate treatment in a way that they feel
comfortable and fits their style

External Vest
I know that that we have a new design for our external carriers, but the majority of
the team still has incompatible Safari plates.

The Mayflower Low-Profile Assault carrier would serve our purposes perfectly in
several ways. Firstly, it is compatible with Safari plates, and secondly, it has the
capability for the practioner to attach pouches to suit his style. If the Mayflower is
not an option, the ability to use points for a suitable and similar style of carrier
would also help.

Water Bladder
We are at a waypoint point and have limited access to water over our shift. A water
bladder has large volume capacity, eliminating the need to refill 1 – 1.5 litre bottles
during a shift, as filling water throughout our shift could pull the member outside of
his waypoint.. From an environmental sustainability point of view, it would be
preferable than having numerous single use bottles of water.

Helmet
I know that there is supposed to be a change in the helmet style for the upcoming
general clothing issue. Rumour is that it’s a “mountain climbing” non-
ballistic/ballistic helmet with flashlight attachment capabilities. This would suit the
team perfectly for the hands-free environment.

Uniform
There has been a lot of discussion on the team about a having a new uniform.
There are several benefits to an upgrade to a new distinctive uniform with a range
of importance.
 The team would look impressive and professional. Perhaps it would inspire
potential candidates to increase their education so that we could have a stronger
group of applicants that would bring a wider skill set.
 I could see a uniform upgrade as part of a branding process for the PRU program.
 As good as the above reasons are, visibility could be considered the most
important. As it was explained, one of the responsibilities of the PRU team would
be take a leadership and supportive role in larger scale events and to spearhead
Rescue Task Force Teams during active shooter events. These events are high
stress events being lead by Supervisors and Acting Supervisors of varying
experience and training. By color coding specialty team members, including the
PRU team, a supervisor can easily assess a member’s training and capability by
the color of their uniform and therefore rapidly utilize them more efficiently and
effectively. This can ease pressure off the leadership and prevent any possible

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 safety concerns that frontline staff might have by their own lack of training or
inexperience.

Budget
This would come at no cost to the employer as all clothing and equipment would be
utilized by the team members’ yearly point allotment. Points would be split
between regular duty issue and PRU issue as the member sees fit. It would follow a
yearly cycle, similar to regular issue.

Management of Equipment Order

Management of the ordering and distribution would be the responsibility of an
appointed team member (PRU Clothing Lead). All suggestions from staff about
future equipment/Clothing would be forwarded to the Clothing Lead and presented
to the Specialty Team Supervisor for consideration.

Clothing lead will distribute lists of equipment/clothing available for order with
staff point allotment. Staff will be required to submit order within order window.
Clothing lead will have the responsibility of maintaining contact with 911 supply,
maintaining equipment/clothing list with appropriate point costs, place/pick-up
and distribute the order,