I know down by Detroit there are medic's carrying pistols for protection and even bullet proof jackets, but does anyone else know of city's that are doing the same thing or even fire departments that have some sort of protection like a bullet proof jacket. this seems to be a growing concern out there for everyone, just wanted to see your view on this issue.
When I was a "Combat Medic" I had a firearm, I had a vest and a medic bag, I even had a back up firearm but as a civilian, I have a medic bag. Shooting on scene is simply stupid, you are a medic and not at war so why carry a firearm? If the scene is not safe then do not enter. If the patient dies because you did not enter the scene then you are not at fault. Your department should have a policy about entering unsafe areas and that policy should include not entering if you feel the scene is not safe.
This topic upsets me because I know some EMT's and Paramedics are carrying a firearm but that is a distraction. A Paramedic and a EMT should only worry about the patient and how to properly care for that patient. If someone wants to carry a firearm then join the military and go to the sandbox. If you want to treat patients, then do your jobs and you will be fine.
Paul, your right, and I have the same point of view as you, if I was the bad guy and I seen a medic with a firearm, I would shoot to wound and then wait for more to arrive. I think firearms discredit the EMS industry and paints a target at EMS.
After reading the post in here I am so thankful and lucky that I live in BFE. The thought of being shot at while responding has never entered my mind. Of course I am sure there are a few members who respond POV that could return fire. LOL Heck we still leave the bay doors open for a run. GOD love small town america.
Wearing a bullet resistant jacket as a medic would be an okay say if you respond to an officer down call. For a firefighter I would have to say no just because of the added weight and it being cumbersome. Firearm of any kind would be a very bad choice for a Firefighter due to the heat. As a medic I could see it but it would not be very practical in the least.
A Medic is a medic and the last I checked the job requirements we did not need to carry a weapon to assess a patient. Alex is rights, a officer down call would be a good time to wear the bullet resistant vest.
Is anyone here carrying a weapon? I do not think so but I am just curious to see if anyone is and what is the reasoning they need to carry a weapon and what are the policies for using it as a medic? I will not bash you or talk down to you but I just want to know why is it needed so maybe I can better understand.
I have heard, don't know if it's true, but I hear that some Medics in Houston carry for protection from gang members. There are some really bad areas in our urban cities. I can see why they might carry, I just don't know that I would feel comfortable doing so.