We have NO legal authority to carry or to use such devices. We are health care providers, not LEO.
To be honest, a weapon shouldn't be necessary if you are following all the guidelines a trained paramedic / EMT should in regards to scene safety.
An EMS provider should never find themself in a situation where self-defense is necessary in the first place, and if they do, they made a mistake. Thankfully, law enforcement works very closely with EMS.
To be honest, a weapon shouldn't be necessary if you are following all the guidelines a trained paramedic / EMT should in regards to scene safety.
An EMS provider should never find themself in a situation where self-defense is necessary in the first place, and if they do, they made a mistake. Thankfully, law enforcement works very closely with EMS.
I've got a big problem with "I'm a super EMT. I want a gun" (Or Tazer, or OC spray).[/QUOTE]
I'm not talking about being "super medics" and going places we shouldn't, or attempting things we have no business doing. I mean having the ability to quickly and effectively defend ourselves if necessary. And a weapon should be concealed so a patient can't know that it is being carried...thats up there with hide the sharp stuff from the psych patient, and leave the leatherman in the front seat while transporting someone from jail.
I'm not talking about being "super medics" and going places we shouldn't, or attempting things we have no business doing. I mean having the ability to quickly and effectively defend ourselves if necessary. And a weapon should be concealed so a patient can't know that it is being carried...thats up there with hide the sharp stuff from the psych patient, and leave the leatherman in the front seat while transporting someone from jail.
Have you ever had a "safe" scene go sour on you? What about those areas where law enforcement is 30-45 minutes away? We shouldn't be entering a scene unless it's safe, but not every scene stays safe. In addition, most law enforcement will NOT transport in the back of an ambulance to assist with a violent patient.
To be honest, a weapon shouldn't be necessary if you are following all the guidelines a trained paramedic / EMT should in regards to scene safety.
An EMS provider should never find themself in a situation where self-defense is necessary in the first place, and if they do, they made a mistake. Thankfully, law enforcement works very closely with EMS.