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New Orleans EMS plans to start training EMS workers in self-defense this year.
EMS usually arrives at shooting scenes before the police do, and the situation can still be dangerous.
The department says EMTs are dealing with more physical attacks than ever, making it harder to attract and retain badly needed personnel.
Like the New Orleans police, EMS is seriously short-handed. The department needs 160 workers, but only has 124.
EMS also wants to spend part of its $19 million budget request on body cameras.
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