What uniform and protective clothing should paramedics wear?

Paramedics are the true frontline for healthcare services. The first on call for emergencies, they are often exposed to hazardous situations.

Due to Covid-19, 2020 is a year that’s been more hazardous than ever before for healthcare workers like paramedics. Now more than ever there’s a need for durable and well made protective clothing that keeps them as safe as possible on shift. 

Here’s a guide by Alexandra.co.uk to help you work out which uniform and protective clothing is suitable for working as a paramedic.

NHS Paramedic Uniform

Every NHS trust has its own uniform practises for staff members. Therefore you should consult your trust’s uniform guidelines before purchasing paramedic uniform and PPE. Many trusts have made their uniform policies available online.  For more information, you can find your trust’s website here.

Private Ambulance Uniform

The uniform for private ambulances is often similar in style to that of NHS paramedics. This ensures security and recognisability for members of the public. These uniforms may vary in colour from navy to green, so you should always check your employer’s uniform guidelines before making a purchase.

Women’s & Men’s Ambulance Shirts

Available in women’s and men’s fits to improve comfort and ease of movement during long shifts, these shirts are packed with features to make work as easy as possible for paramedics. 

• Two sleeve pockets and two chest pockets, ideal for keeping equipment immediately to hand in an emergency.
• Hard-wearing fabric for durability.
• Washable to 60ºC in line with infection control guidelines.
• Epaulettes to denote roles.
• Available in navy, ambulance bottle green or dark green.

Women’s & Men’s Ambulance Trousers

Made from a hard-wearing, mechanical stretch fabric that is durable and offers the ease of bending and lifting, these trousers are available in women’s and men’s fits to improve comfort and ease of movement during long shifts. 

• They feature two cargo pockets, two zipped hip pockets and one back pocket, ideal for keeping equipment immediately to hand in an emergency.
• Made from a hard-wearing, mechanical stretch fabric that is durable and offers the ease of bending and lifting.
• Washable to 60ºC in line with infection control guidelines.
• Available in navy, ambulance bottle green or dark green.

Hi-Vis Jacket

Suitable for use in hazardous situations where visibility is key, this unisex jacket is packed with features to make your role as easy as possible.

• Epaulettes to denote roles.
• Radio loops for ease of storing radio equipment when not in use.
• Two front pockets, ideal for keeping equipment immediately to hand in an emergency.
• Front and rear clean badge holders for security and identification.
• Roll-away hood for ease of wearing when not in use.
• Perfect for use on top of the Ambulance Fleece to provide a warm protective layer for all weathers and circumstances.

Ambulance Fleece

Perfect for use underneath the hi-vis jacket to provide a warm protective layer for all weathers and circumstances, this unisex jacket also has all the functionality when worn on its own.

• Epaulettes to denote roles.
• Radio loops for ease of storing radio equipment when not in use.
• Pen pocket.
• Two front zipped pockets, ideal for keeping equipment immediately to hand in an emergency.
• Washable to 40ºC.

Ambulance Long-Sleeved Hi-Vis Waistcoat

Made in a unisex for ease of purchasing, this waistcoat is ideal for use in hazardous situations where visibility is key but the weather makes a full jacket unsuitable.

• Epaulettes to denote roles.
• Front and rear clean badge holders for security and identification.

Blackrock Ultimate Boot

Used by paramedics across the field, this is a tried and tested safety option with a composite steel toe cap.

• Non-metallic
• Full-grain coated leather.
• 53 water-resistant treatment
• Conforms to EN ISO 20345 S3 HRO SRC

Ambulance Helmet

This one-size-fits-all helmet is made from a lightweight kevlar shell making it strong to offer a high level of protection and comfortable to wear.

• PU Impact liner with a leather headband.
• Ratchet adjustment.
• Leather crown comfort cap.
• Two-point chinstraps.
• SCBA clip mounts.
• Certified to EN443 and EN166 standards.

Women’s & Men’s Leather Gloves

These gloves feature a cotton fleece lining and a stud fastening cuff, ideal for keeping your hands warm in cold conditions.

Utility Belt

Available in six waist sizes, this belt is ideal for adding more functionality to your trousers.

Epaulette Sliders

These epaulette sliders are a great way to denote roles. Available in: Ambulance, Doctor, Observer, Paramedic and Student Paramedic roles.

Carry Kit Bags

With one front pocket, adjustable shoulder straps and one main zipped compartment, this bag is ideal for keeping the essentials to hand on shift.

Type 1 Disposable Medical Face Mask

These face masks are intended to be worn by patients and some healthcare professionals who are not working in an operating room or similar setting.

• 3 layer type 1 single-use face mask.
• Intended to reduce the risk of infection spread.
• Conforms to EN14683 standard. 
• Available in packs of 10.
• Breathable
• Shaped nose clip
• Earloops
• Fitted to face
• Non-sterile