WINTHROP, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A rise in violent assaults against EMS professionals nationwide has one ambulance service in Maine investing in protective gear.
The Winthrop Ambulance Service, which serves seven rural communities in Central Maine, is purchasing bulletproof vests for its crews to wear on calls.
"We're seeing a propensity for more violence, we're certainly seeing more drug-related calls, and we're seeing more calls that involve weapons," said Chief John Dovinsky. "This will be an added level of protection."