Black Ribbon Protocol

Questions often arise regarding the wearing of commemorative black ribbons at funerals or memorial services. The Paramedic Association of Canada has developed a protocol to assist EMS personnel in these instances.

Black ribbons are appropriately worn at any function associated with the death of emergency services personnel, including funerals, memorial and remembrance services and dedications.

Commemorative black ribbons can be made using plain, non-glossy straight edged black ribbon cloth. The ribbon should be cut approximately 1/2" wide by 4" in length, folded over itself and secured with a small gold safety pin. The ribbon ends are then cut on an angle with the tails splayed out as shown here. The ribbon should be worn on the left pocket flap of a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic above and to the right of the button, attached with an appropriate pin (straight pin, EMS pin or Canadian flag).


PAC Line of Duty death pins are not bona fide medals, and therefore should NOT be worn on the left side. They are to be worn on a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic, and should be placed on the right hand pocket pleat immediately below the pocket flap.

Name tags, if worn, should be placed above the right hand pocket flap of the shirt, jacket or tunic.