First Responder NIJ Level IIIA Ballistic Vest
*Made to order & ships within 6-8 weeks
When calls get unpredictable, you need protection you’ll actually wear. This First Responder NIJ Level IIIA ballistic vest is built for EMS, fire, and instructors who want dependable handgun-rated coverage without giving up mobility. It stays comfortable through long shifts, secure when you’re bending, lifting, and working in tight spaces, and the ID patch options help you stay clearly marked on scene, especially important when law enforcement officers are also called in.
Level IIIA protection is a great level of protection for first responders because it protects against most common handgun threats without being heavy or bulky. It’s a smart option when you want reliable coverage on routine calls, as well as in conditions that can change fast.
Just as important, the right vest should fit your body properly and sit comfortably with your uniform so you’re not constantly adjusting it when you should be focused on the job.
Explore the key features that make this vest an excellent choice for real-world response work, along with the details you need to choose the right setup for your team.
Features
- Includes NIJ Level IIIA Premier Body Armor soft armor panels
- Removable front and back ID patches (options: Corrections, EMS, Fire, Instructor, Rescue, RSO, and Security)
- Elastic stretch side closure and adjustable shoulder straps
- Adjustable internal cummerbund for flexibility
- Rugged 600 Denier Polyester Carrier (Red)
- Recommended for First Responders and Firearms Instructors
- 5-year armor warranty
- 2-year carrier warranty
Rating & Testing
The First Responder Vest is NIJ Certified Level 3A protection. To learn more about the NIJ body armor standards, visit our Understanding Body Armor Ratings blog.
Sizing
*This sizing chart is specific to this product. Other vests may fit differently. Please use the sizing chart on this page when choosing your First Responder Vest size.
The First Responder Vest is designed to fit true to size and available in size S-2XL. The elastic stretch side closure and adjustable shoulder straps ensure a perfect fit.
Why Choose the Premier Body Armor First Responder NIJ Level IIIA Vest?
When you choose armor for EMS or first response work, wearability is the whole game. The First Responder NIJ Level IIIA vest is built for professionals who need armor designed for dependable protection that’s also easy to wear.
With built-in NIJ Certified Level IIIA ballistic panels, the vest is designed to stay secure while you move, lift, and work in close quarters, with adjustable shoulders and a stretch side closure to help you get a stable fit. Made from 600D polyester, the carrier is rugged enough to handle anything a call may throw at it, and designed for day-to-day use. With removable ID patches, your team stays clearly marked on scene.
Each Premier Body Armor First Responder NIJ Level IIIA soft armor vest comes with a 5-year warranty on the armor and a 2-year warranty on the carrier.
Part of choosing the right vest is confidence in the standard behind it. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) testing protocols help decide how ballistic armor is evaluated, and those standards evolve as materials and real-world threats change.
That’s why it’s worth understanding what NIJ standard 0101.07 is and how it affects how armor is tested and labeled. If you want a clear breakdown of what’s changed and what to look for when you’re comparing options, explore our NIJ standard guide.
The bottom line: when you choose a first responder vest, you want proven performance, reliable protection in the field, a good fit, and a design you won’t hate wearing.
Related Solutions for EMS & First Responders
Building a complete protection program rather than buying a single vest? You’ll want options that match different roles, duty needs, call types, and uniform requirements. Our EMS and first responder lineup makes it easy to outfit everyone with gear that stays wearable on long shifts, whether you need a concealable setup, an outer carrier, or other gear.
Some agencies prioritize low-profile wear under a duty shirt. Others want an overt option that's faster to get on and designed to hold and make their gear accessible. If you’re not sure what fits your operation, The Premier Body Armor First Responder Vest is a lightweight bulletproof vest and strong go-to for everyday response work. Use the collection to compare alternatives for different assignments.
To keep purchasing simple and agency-friendly, shop through the LEOnline™-ready collection built specifically for EMS and first responder buyers. That collection puts your most relevant options in one place.
From there, LEOnline™ helps you request quotes, simplify approvals, and keep ordering organized for your team, moving procurement forward with fewer steps. You can explore the entire LEOnline™ EMS/First Responder collection here.
Change How You Prepare for the Unknown
You carry the responsibility of arriving when things are unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.
When you choose protection built specifically for EMS and first responders, you’re investing in safety and readiness on every shift. From routine medical calls to scenes that escalate without warning, having dependable gear helps you stay focused on what matters most: doing your job well and getting home at the end of the day.
Ready to outfit yourself or your team with reliable protection? Start with the LEOnline™ collection for EMS and first responders. When you’re ready to request a quote, we can help with sizing, approvals, and rollout planning.
Law Enforcement / First Responder / Military discount available
Please see TERMS & CONDITIONS for additional details regarding lead time, shipping, warranty & return policy.
