A hot topic today centers around EMS providers carrying weapons on-duty: In lieu of chat last Monday, I posted an assignment with 5 questions to answer regarding this topic. I received 9 responses and thought I would share the results.
1. Is there a need to allow EMS providers to carry firearms while on-duty? Why or why not? 7 responded yes; 2 responded no.
2. If allowed to carry on duty should this be concealed carry or open carry? 9 Responded concealed. Most felt concealed was best to prevent intimidating patients and families. A couple mentioned EMS being mistaken for law enforcement if open carry.
3. If allowed to carry on duty, would you carry on duty? 7 responded yes, 2 responded no. Those that responded no, did not feel that being armed would create a safer situation for them.
4. What are the benefits of carrying weapons on duty? 7 responded “self protection” with 1 adding “to save lives”, 1 responded “no benefit”, one responded “sense of security”.
5. What are the risks for carrying weapons on duty? Responses varied, some examples are; No training with firearms or limited training with firearms; perceived threat by patients; misuse of firearm by EMS; securing in the ambulance; accidental discharge; loss of weapon control; “in the profession to save lives”; agency and individual liability; false sense of security leading to entering unsafe situations unnecessarily; firearms training takes away from medical training; being taken by aggressive patient; weapon being stolen from ambulance.
One student specifically discussed tactical medics as necessary for active shooters etc. Interestingly that student feels the best situation is to train law-enforcement as EMT’s or Paramedics, rather that train EMS personnel in tactical response.
Thank you to everyone who responded, it was an excellent discussion, and very good points were brought up both pro and con.
Rick Moore, RN, LP