Recent content by jmaccauley

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...