going to get your own patch isnt wackerish if you putting on something like a uniform shirt, job shirt, squad jacket, jumpsuit. If its on a clear uniform item, thats ok. I have a jobshirt (pullover sweatshirt with a collar) that has the NJ EMT patch, a cloth EMS "badge" on my left breast, and my name and EMT # on right breast. I can carry it in my car and there is no agency name, so i can wear it at any of my EMS gigs. Its great when im volunteering and responding from where ever, i can just toss that on and look ok.
NY is kinda weird because unlike NJ, the NYDOH does not issue or have a specific patch that is their "Official" Patch
"The NYS Department of Health does not issue any type of patch, shield or other worn insignia. In accordance with PHL § 3004(4) a Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) may issue, "uniform emergency technician insignia and certificates".
A person who chooses to wear a patch, shield or other insignia may only indicate on such, the level of care that they are certified by the Department to practice at. To do otherwise would be indicating certification not held by the provider which might also constitute a criminal offense."
And thats from the NYDOH website (
http://www.health.ny.gov/nysdoh/ems/policy/03-08.htm)
So you are free to choose whichever NY patch you want if your agency does not issue one. I would ask at your squad or employer first. If you google NY EMT Patch, you will see like a dozen different designs.
The old patch is the Yellow tombstone,
http://www.epier.com/product.asp?1665806
the "New" design is the blue patch with the state seal,
http://www.amazon.com/New-York-State-EMT-patch/dp/B000P8AMT6
The "new" patch comes in a number of colors, subdued, tactical, orange throwbackish looking thing. As long as it says EMT on it