Question for EMTs re: CCW

[Unisaw]

EMTs, paramedics, and fireman:

How are you trained to deal with an injured person who is carrying (legally) a concealed weapon? How often do you run into these situations? If it matters, I carry either a revolver or a C&L 1911 in an IWB holster.

 

[Bob F.]

We weren't trained for it, we just handled it, trusted our instincts, every situation is different. Responded to a "back Pain" call one morning to find a man lying on his bed with a SAA lying on his belly. "we don't need this" and moved it across the room to a table. No problem.

Responded to a shooting call. Entered, woman down, drunk/drugie on floor to side, man in wheelchair. My partner/wife/medic asked "where's the gun?" Wheelchair guy pointed down next to his thigh. Partner went around to stand behind him with her belt pack opened while EMT and I (medic) tended to Pt (pistol butts all around). Cops arrived, wife pointed to gun-load and go!! Cop/medic rode it with us, code 3. She lived. We did, too!

Ain't like it use to be! Damn!

Stay safe!
Bob

 

[clubsoda22]

all you guys that do carry, if you are carrying, please tell us. If i came across a a pt. in the home, gun stays there, on the street, the officer can hold it for you. Whereas the cop that pulls you over has a way to defend himself, we do not. Don't care if it's legal, sorry, can't go into the ER anyway.

Say you are in a car accident and are going to the hospital via ambulance, tell the cop that you are carrying and ask him to hold the gun for you. You can pick it up when you get out.

No training on our behalf, just common sence and CYA.

 

[coltjeeper]

I'm EMT/Medic with the ARMY. It can be alot different for us! We get to shoot back if need be.

 

[Billy Sparks]

A couple of years ago there was a magazine article in JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Service) or a magazine very like it about dealing with a person that is carrying. The biggest thing is just to let us know. More than likely I will become more interested in the gun that your problem but hey what do you expect?

 

[AJ Dual]

Would you EMT's consider finding a firearm with proper concealment/holster gear, especially with an unconcious patient, a bit more comforting?

It's oft been spoken that betwen LEO's, other CCW'ers, and the unarmed, that if there's a holster and carry gear of some kind, people often relax, as the person bothering to use a holster is more likely to be law-abiding or LEO. A gun, loose in a pocket, or tucked in a waistband, is oft considered to be a potential indicator of criminality.

My other thought would be that astraining EMT's basic firearm info, such as actions, semi, revolver, hammer, hammerless, safety, magazines etc. and how to safe and clear weapons could be handy.

Even if they just wind up assisting an injured police officer etc. , much less CCW'ers and criminals, when the LEO's aren't availible to do it for you.