Well, it’s about time in my book, but is it enough?
Florida recently passed legislation that allows for combat medic first responders.
These trained paramedics are permitted to carry firearms into hostage, drug and active shooter situations. But they are not allowed to carry them all the time.
So I have a few thoughts on the pros and cons here and would love to hear yours as well. I would bet that many of the situations where a paramedic is going to find him or herself at risk are not going to be limited to those three. It’s not because those are not dangerous, it is just a matter of statistics and I think that trained paramedics should be able to carry at any time. Especially when LEOs are not there to have their back as they would be in any of the initial three situations. If we are of the mind that they are safe with the firearm and proficient, then why would I not want a trained gun in any fight?
In Ohio, paramedics that are attached to SWAT, which is really what the Florida bill was getting at, are permitted to carry as well, but they are required to train with the SWAT unit.
This is my real criticism here…
If there is an active shooter situation, for instance, the SWAT team that responds is acting as a cohesive unit and if that paramedic has not trained with them, then they could be putting themselves and the SWAT members in danger of friendly-fire.
So here is where I stand…
I think all first responders including paramedics and firefighters should be able to carry on the job if the proficiency is there. I just think that in situations where LEOs are there to take on the fight, we should not mix in a second, let’s say less trained, fireteam that has not worked with them.
The article is below, but tell me what you think on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSRIUSA/
https://www.theblaze.com/news/florida-law-now-allows-trained-paramedics-to-carry-firearms-on-dangerous-calls