An inside look at the New Orleans EMS body-worn camera program

In this insightful episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence revisits New Orleans EMS to explore their pioneering use of body-worn cameras, joined by Chris Keller, chief of operations at New Orleans EMS. The discussion dives into the motivations, challenges and successes of implementing this technology. From its initial deployment on tactical medic teams in 2018, to its current broader rollout, Chris shares the journey of navigating legal frameworks, staff buy-in and operational logistics. The conversation also highlights how body-worn cameras enhance patient care documentation, bolster staff safety and provide an unbiased account of events, positioning them as an emerging industry standard. This episode offers practical advice on policy development, procurement processes and operational use cases, including their application during Mardi Gras and high-acuity events. With the aim to demystify the implementation process, Chris emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adaptability and using technology to improve EMS practices. Rob and Chris also discuss future goals for the program, funding challenges, and the potential for body-worn cameras to become a cornerstone of EMS operations nationwide.