Stranger45

Funny you should answer here, what I had read/was told is the first thing you should do (if possible) is to ask the Paramedics to give you something to help calm your nerves, just in case you did say something that you shouldn’t have. Never did know if that was good advice or not.

Thanks,

PS: I thank Paramedics should have guns.

paramedic70002

Every EMS system is different. In my area, just saying you need 'something' isn't going to get you anything, you have to be severely emotionally distraught, like uncontrollable crying or some type of manic behavior, to get Valium, and truly flipping out for Haldol. Even then, in those types of situations, we usually need to call in to the ED for a Physician order, which is a 50/50 proposition. Everything we do in EMS is considered an extension of Physician care and the Docs guard their licenses jealously.

I'd rather remain in control of my faculties. Valium may make you say something you'll regret, but it is not a narcotic, so a prosecuting attorney could argue that the drug just freed you up to speak the truth without clouding your ability to perceive reality. Haldol on the other hand, lights out. BTW when you get medicated by EMS, you've pretty much locked in a ride to the ED. Medicate and release is something that the ED Docs abhor. We usually preemt refusals by medicating en route.

You might be better off keeping a flask of your favorite high octane beverage handy, and chug it down as the LEOs approach. Explain that you needed a drink to calm your nerves, and you were sober before the shooting. Not that I condone such, but also effective in avoiding DUI convictions. LEOs can't determine your BAC while driving, so the most you can get charged with is DIP.

On the "Paramedics with guns" issue, I have sampled some EMS forums from time to time. You get visceral polarizing responses, usually negative. The common arguments are: Guns would be a barrier to effective care (I guess that's the open carry community talking, or they're planning to advertise that EMS is armed); they'd just shoot us or take it away (same thing); what we do physically makes it impossible to ensure weapon retention (not really); just call the police (where have we heard that before); some of the Medics I know shouldn't be armed (like it would be mandatory); etc. When I showed them some examples of the types of concealable holsters available, they just say it looks too uncomfortable to wear all shift. I guess it's all in how you order your priorities...

I can see how carrying a full size 1911 or such all day on the box could get tedious, but a J frame or KelTec really wouldn't be an issue at all. Heck even a medium frame large caliber semi-auto would work fine in a Bagmaster square belt pouch. IWB tuckable could be an issue since most of us wear T shirts now, and we do tend to do things that require hand placement, which sometimes causes our shirts to loosen up and pull out. The days of button down dress shirts are just about gone. I also would worry about tearing my pants at a crash scene and having the weapon come tumbling out, as well as prohibited places. I haven't seen a law yet that exempts on duty EMS
from that, so unless your department openly accepts weapons and provides secure storage, or you are willing to hang your butt out, schools, courthouses, jails, prisons, etc. can cause significant problems to armed EMS response.

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Guns Save Lives. Paramedics Save Lives. But...
Paramedics With Guns Scare People!

Random

I'll take that as a "yes".

MitchellCT

Oh.

Hell.

NO.

MitchellCT

Busmills is fit to clean gun and light fires with, not drink.

gunthorp

"Officer, hold my flask while I look for my permit."

And I use Chivas to clean the toilet bowl when I've had too much.

IMO your dress and demeanor will be contrasted with that of the BG. How you look and act can have a bearing on LEO's impression without your having to say a word.

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Don't dither. The nick of time comes just before the moment lost.

carry ok

you label posters as 'morons'. Well at least perhaps Mitchell and RobP, the lawyers, will find you appealing! But you know what 'they' say about lawyers, right? p.s., lemme' guess, you also are a lawyer!

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MitchellCT

I didn't use the word moron.

Deanimator

My best friend in town is a lawyer. We've been doing each other favors for twenty years.

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Life comes at you fast. Be prepared to shoot it in the head when it does.

HotGuns

After reviewing the whole thread,I believe that everything that needs to be said has been said and lots that didn't need to be.

Closed.

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AR. CHL Instr.

To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson