optikal

i work as a paramedic for an ambulance service, by boss is pro gun and has a CCP but i am trying to bring up the issue of can i conceal at work since we go into VERY bad parts of town. i understand both sides of the issue. my side is because of the parts of town, and the safety of me and my coworkers (who would not know i carry). on the other hand if a pt who is afraid of guns notices (which shouldnt happen but just incase) it could case more problems. the question i have is im trying to find a tactful and polite way of asking to be able to conceal on duty. anyone have any experience with this.

and i apoligize for the spelling and gramatical errors, im in a hurricane shelter working with medical needs evacuees right now.

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

Ram Rod

Do you have a permit to carry concealed? Well, if you do, in your capacity, I don't believe it would be allowed on the job anyway. I know it's not what you want to hear, but think about it. Do you work for the city, county, or a private corporation? A lot of things will complicate you carrying on the job....it's the nature of the beast. P.S., I wouldn't test the waters if I were you....unless you've already been looking for another job.

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RamRod-----sans remords

optikal

i work for a private service, the boss is very cool. i told him im trying to schedule my CCP class when i have some free time from work. he thinks it is a great idea and thats when he told me he has his permit and carries regularly.

im thinking that he will say no, but it cant hurt to ask right?

im taking my CC class this month with the extra money from the hurricane work.

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

mp45fan

I too have brought up this question to my Cheif. He says he is cool with it but the service will not allow it. We are a county serivce and go to many of the worst areas of town, we are always there before the police and sometimes if feels as if the police "clear" us to enter to short out things for them before they get there. We had one night when a pshy pt tried to jump out the back doors, pulled a knife on us and was chasing me and my partner. We called for PD three times before they answered our cry for help. That next day I bought a vest and wear it all the time now. Most of us are pro gun and most of us have our CHL. The boss man says okay but the ones in the office behind the desk say no. I fulling understand. Even our police ask us why we don't carry. Makes no sense to me. Sad to think, but it will take one of our medics getting really hurt our killed to get the rules changed around here.

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cwblanco

With proper concealment gear, I do not see any problem in maintaining proper concealment while doing your work. However, I see another more likely problem. For example, in Texas as well as many other states many, if not most, hospitals do not permit concealed carry in the hospital. If that is your situation, then that leaves you with the choice of having to leave your firearm in the ambulance when delivering the patient into the hospital building. I suppose arrangements could be made for locking the pistol up in the ambulance before going into the hospital. But what do you do with the patient while you are locking your firearm up in the ambulance?

mr surveyor

I would guess that you guys are out of luck on the carry on the job issue. I worked the "traveling trauma truck" a few years in the 70's, so I know where you go. My partner and I were called to a "man down" at a local bar one night....yep, he was down - drt- his wife had gone into full term labor in the back corner of the dive, his dad was havinig a heart attack at one of the tables (a real family place, you know), and the "gentleman" that shot him was sitting at the bar with a beer, his trusty .38 on the bar in front of him saying "I shot him fer dead"...... Not a fun position to be in when you're 5 minutes ahead of the LEOs. Also been in the back of the truck clinging to a fire extinguisher for protection from multiple drunken knife fight "victims".

Now, think about the places your job actually takes you. Just because of the necessity of your job taking you into those places does not make your carry permit more valid than the next permit holder. Would you intentionally carry into theos "off limits" places while off duty? I would doubt the law would be viewed differently because of your own circumstances.

Personally, I think every crash crew, trauma crew , rescue and firefighter should be given a "special permit" to carry on duty, anywhere their job takes them. But I think that should also extend to every law abiding citizen anyway.

jmo

surv

packinnova

Seems pretty cut and dry to me, but then again...I'm usually in the minority here. Do up a pro vs con list. When you get around to Life/Staying alive which category do you put it in? Is it a pro or a con? When you figure that out, you'll have your answer. There are those here that will always say always follow the rules, but what do you do when the rules tell you to roll over and die?

You really have a number of choices.

• Carry anyway and don't get caught.
• Carry anyway and maybe get caught and probably fired, and possibly end up in jail, but maybe keep yourself alive a few more nights.
• Don't carry and maybe survive or maybe not.
• Find a new job that has no problem with your concept of self preservation

Also something to think about...If I remember right, the average bulletproof vests don't usually protect against stab wounds, but supposedly do well against slashes. The nature of the design of a knife means it can and does end up getting through kevlar while stabbing etc...(especially on the lighter more concealable versions) unless you've got one of the ones with the inserts just for stab resistance.

edit: a quickie google search turns this gem up:
http://www.bulletproofme.com/Stab-Re...e-Levels.shtml

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-The Mist (2007)

Thumper

How about carrying in an EMS waist pack?

Hawkepaks.com, Inc. for EMS, PPE supplies

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ALWAYS carry! - NEVER tell!

tflhndn

I guess the real question is: does it say anywhere in an employment manual or company policy that employees are barred from carrying or bringing guns to work?

If not, then don't ask the question, just do it (granted this is a risk, but if there is no policy, then it is not prohibited, once you get your permit, do it.

Agave

In LA, it is against the rules to carry into a residence without consent of the residents. Considering that you likely go to many residences, I don't think you want to ask someone if you can carry while you rescue each day. I like Thumper's signature though.

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