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  1. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    Jon brings us back to the original point of this threat. Are there still folks who think that self defense training (with or without weapons) is unnecessary? Of course, preparing for what you might be getting into is natural for EMT's and medics. Why is there so much resistance to learning one...
  2. jmaccauley

    SWAT officers invade home, take 11-year-old at gunpoint

    Actually, when law enforcement has had past dealings with someone who has made threats against them, they tend to be a little more prepared when they have to revisit. In this case, a child's welfare was the issue. Rather than face a possible standoff with a disgruntled Viet Nam era vet, using...
  3. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    By the way, do you think that you cannot help people if you are carrying a weapon?
  4. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    If you think a firefighter doesn't carry weapons, you've never seen the equipment he/she has at their disposal.
  5. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    The only problem I have is with the "least amount of force necessary" step. It may only be symantics but if you start low and see if it works, you are gambling with your safety. You may be thinking that something might work and get him away from me. Then you discover that it was ineffective so...
  6. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    It's not that you haven't persistantly pointed out your concerns about force and self protection. We also aren't naive about potential liability issues. Most of us are just a little more concerned with physically surviving and less concerned with possible negative perceptions. I still wonder how...
  7. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    I'm sure these are things that are taught at any responsible EMT training facility. Self defense certainly involves having increased awareness. Unfortunately, there are times when you either didn't read the signs correctly or had no choice but to be there. Every call has the potential of turning...
  8. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    O.K., so no weapons are acceptable in your opinion. As I suggested, training in the legal, moral and ethical obligations to both your patient and even your attacker should be mandatory. I also agree that there are legal consequences that we may face for our decisions. I also believe that most...
  9. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    This is actually becoming a silly discussion but I'm willing to carry it a little further. I'm not sure where you got your law degree (maybe in EMT class or the internet)but I'll explain about the laws of self defense that apply in most other jurisdictions. The Supreme Court (you know those...
  10. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    Let's get past guns and knives for a minute. What other weapons would be acceptable for medics to have? Let's also assume that adequate training in the legal, moral and ethical decisions to protect yourself, and perhaps your patients, has been conducted.
  11. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    I must have misunderstood you then. I thought you were an EMT. You seem to have a cursery knowledge of PPCT and joint manipulation, however, you seem to be think that medics should not defend themselves, lest they be held criminally liable. However, directing readers to Marc McYoung's website...
  12. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    While you are checking things out, go to dt4ems.net. It was custom made for your profession and actually takes the liability question into account, as well as practical options. I won't discount martial arts training, but from my experience, few people take the time and have the discpline to...
  13. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    I'm stilling wondering why you're in a business where you will very likely be assaulted at some point in your career. You really do seem to worry more about facing a legal challenge than saving your skin. Either you ar every naive or extremely paranoid about self defense. If that is the case...
  14. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    Guess you chose the wrong career. Be careful out there. As I said, don't be afraid to protect yourself. Who protects you when you screw up a patient? You're not a Good Samaritan.
  15. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    So, do you think that you couldn't explain how you had to fight for your life from an attack by a crazed (regardless of why he is crazed) attacker? Self defense is not a priviledge only afforded to civilians. However, you are right that you must be able to articulate your justification. And...
  16. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    What I'm hearing is that fear of liability is the reason for putting your safety in the hands of others. I don't know if conventional defensive tools are the answer, or even practical, but I do know that there are many misconceptions expressed here about defense of yourself or others in your...
  17. jmaccauley

    Self Defense for EMS

    I would like to comment on a few things here. Without identifying the poster (because I don't want to go back and read all over again) there are 2 points that were made. 1.) Weapons should not be carried because they could be used against you. Well, thats why they are carried; to use so you can...
  18. jmaccauley

    Tazers?

    I agree with that wholeheartedly. It's sad that the distinction is always made that medics are a benevolent organization , while police who are armed with tools to protect themselves and others, are not. Oh well, such are the choices we have made. DT4EMS should be required by everyone...
  19. jmaccauley

    Lymphoma Question

    I know that it's hard facing the prospect of having any type of cancer (I also have non-hodgkins large T cell lymphoma). Congratulations on the remission!! Do not, I repeat, do not ever let a scary diagnosis prevent you from planning your future. Know that you will be around to fulfill your...
  20. jmaccauley

    stabbing at a local high school

    Someone correct me if I'm wrong please. HIPPA rules restrict the release of medical records. Does that mean it covers all of details surrounding an injury or assault? I don't think so, but I have had nurses and even some doctors (who appear as confused as me) reluctant to share anything about...
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