retsupt99

Might be a good options...in not illegal.


Stay armed...somehow...stay safe!

__________________
"That I cannot do."

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NRA Life Member

optikal

im not worried about the "legal" side so much, as every officer i have spoke with agrees every EMT or FF should carry and be POST certified. i just want my boss to have the "knowledge" even if its not direct "permission". as far as hospital, and informing pt's at residences, im not worried about the legal side when on duty. not that i EXPECT special treatment, but all the LEO's i have spoke with agree with our point of view. but i also agree with others......just trying to figure out how to professionaly bring up the subject to boss-man. if he says no, then no it is. if he says yes or "just dont let me know" when im licensed, i will carry my bersa as its smaller than the 1911 and so much easier to conceal in my cargo pocket!

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"If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective."
Ted Nugent

Bando

If your not breaking the law by carrying, don't ask don't tell! You don't want to risk not being able to defend yourself on another mans opinion. If you ask and he says no you alienate yourself and he will be looking. 99% of large time employers have a no weapons clause. I carry anyway because the risk of being caught is extremly low. I would have to be knocked out and searched for someone to find my pistol at work. I pocket carry a keltec and I recommend you do to if worrying about being made. My opinion is that something as personal as carrying a gun for self defense should not be discussed with your boss. It's none of his business. If there was a situation where you used it, it wouldn't matter if you had his consent(in most cases) you would be looking for another job anyway. Good luck, you do a great sevice.

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The Problem: When stupid people do stupid things, smart people end up getting killed.

tns0038

Back in the late 70's and early 80's I worked part time for the sheriffs department. I was headed to New Orleans for the weekend so I asked the Sheriff if we had an agreement with the PD in NO for us to carry. He said "no but don't let that stop you; if you should have to use your sidearm the last question the investigating officer would ask you would be where did you get the gun."

The Sheriff already knew I was good at concealing my pistol, and also knew I would never use it unless my life was in jeopardy.

However, in your case, it's a little different. If you had to defend yourself, and your life was truly on the line, then the chances of the DA's office prosecuting you is worth it. What I don't like is your states requirement of notifying the owner of a residence your carrying.

If I where you, I would petition your union to get all EMS personnel to be trained and qualified to open carry a service weapon, on your weak side, cross draw style. That way it looks to civilians more defensive instead of the quick draw capabilities of carrying strong side

Just an idea.

wpk

I work for a city fire/ems service and it has been made very clear to us that we are NOT permitted to ccw while on-duty, even if we have permits. We are not provided with vests, but I do know some guys who have gone and bought their own.

C Paul Lincoln

While I don't advocate violating the law, there are laws that don't make sense and which should never have been passed. Further, I have also worked in EMS for many years and know the environments and situations you go into unprotected.

I see that the OP has at least four options:

1) Don't carry, continue what you have been doing, and continue to be placed in situations of high risk for your safety.

2) Don't carry, and insist on LE presence at the scene -- before you enter -- any time there is any reason to be concerned about your safety (potential DV, reported knife injury, etc.). Make sure you post a block or two away while awaiting LE.

3) Carry a less-than-lethal weapon or tool (or more than one). Are you prohibited from carrying OC or a Tazer? Are these prohibited in the bars, hospitals, and private residences you go into?

4) Carry and conceal very well. You won't be able to present a weapon quickly, but you will have it. (consider SmartCarry and something small, like the PM40 I carry this way -- nobody will know)


Something you have to weigh in making your decision is the possible penalty for being discovered. I don't know Louisana law -- is it only a misdemeanor to carry into a hospital? What about a residence? If only a misdemeanor, you're not risking that much (legally) if you carry. I would be concerned about the possibility of having to respond to a school or jail -- how does your partner feel about you carrying? If you had to respond to a school or jail, you will need to secure your weapon before entry, and your partner will find out if they don't know already.

Tough decision -- I know what I would do, but you have to make your own decision.

dmorris68

Regarding a misdemeanor not being a huge legal risk, you're right to a point: If it's a case of applied self-defense and I lived through it, I couldn't care less about the legal consequences at the time -- I'm still alive. However it does need to be a concern, at least in some states, for those who are simply "caught" carrying at the wrong place or time. Here in GA, even a misdemeanor weapons conviction that results in no jail time is sufficient to permanently revoke your CCW privileges, which would be a much bigger penalty to me than a few days in jail or a fine!

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David

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optikal

i agree with dmorris, if i loose the permit what did i accomplish. i think i will take tns0038's advice and start a petition for ems and fire to be able to get POST and carry in the same capacity ON-DUTY as a police officer, that would take care of the school, hospital, and residence issue. plus if i was POST certified i would not have to have a CCP for carry off duty as post qualifies as your CCP

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"If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective."
Ted Nugent

LongRider

I can not see how it would hurt. You co workers would probably have to know as my guess is you would still need to disarm before going into an ER. So eventually they would see it. Might help your argument to offer to provide a lock box to put the gun in when you do have to disarm.

I'd get a lawyer to contact them and ask them to change their policy outlining the dangers you all face. Warn them that they will be held liable for any injuries incurred on the job as a result of you being unarmed. Have him keep your name confidential for fear of reprisals. This will at the very least serve as evidence that they were aware of the dangers and knowingly sent you into harms way unarmed.
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rmilchman

While I agree you should be allowed to carry I wouldn't unless the department approved or required it. What would happen if you received a call to a school or government building? Even though the LEO you speak to agree you should be armed it only takes on Prosecutor to pin you with a felony.

While it may not have the same stopping power how about Mace?