{"id":14277,"date":"2017-02-19T04:46:43","date_gmt":"2017-02-19T09:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flightsafetynet.com\/?p=14277"},"modified":"2019-08-02T22:27:37","modified_gmt":"2019-08-03T02:27:37","slug":"ems-concealed-carry-law-5-things-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flightsafetynet.com\/ems-concealed-carry-law-5-things-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"EMS Concealed Carry Law: 5 Things You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Support for EMS and firefighters to legally carry weapons on duty is steadily growing.<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Concealed carry laws have been proposed in Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Florida and New York. And other states are quickly preparing to follow the trend.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Because EMS and firefighters are increasingly targeted when trying to save lives and property.<\/p>\n

Thugs target the uniform.<\/p>\n

Any uniform.<\/p>\n

The line between police, fire and EMS is blurred.<\/p>\n

Critics say concealed carry laws will cause more problems than it will solve; however, many states are pushing ahead with legislation to protect their first responders.<\/p>\n

What It Means For EMS<\/span><\/h3>\n

What does it mean for EMS and air medical operators?<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what this article is about.<\/p>\n

Things you need to know about concealed carry laws to make smart decisions as a first responder.<\/p>\n

Reality is that EMTs, Firefighters and other first responders will soon be forced to make decisions about their personal involvement with the new concealed carry laws.<\/p>\n

Even if you choose to never carry, you may still work shifts with a partner who does. The more you know and understand the new laws, the better off you\u2019ll be.<\/p>\n

Below are 5 things you need to know about the EMS concealed carry law:<\/p>\n

5 Things To Know About Concealed Carry Law<\/span><\/h1>\n

1.) Scene Safety Still Matters \u2014 A Lot<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a saying in air medical.<\/p>\n

Complacency kills.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true and it applies to both air and ground operators. What\u2019s the point?<\/p>\n

The point is to never let the ability to carry a concealed weapon lull you into a false sense of security. Don\u2019t make the mistake of approaching an accident scene differently because you or your partner are carrying a concealed weapon.<\/p>\n

The need to properly secure a scene never changes.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get complacent because you (or your partner) is carrying a concealed weapon.<\/p>\n

2.) EMS Is Leveling Up<\/span><\/h3>\n

Regardless of your views on concealed carry laws for EMS, one thing is for certain\u2014<\/p>\n

EMS is leveling up in the EMS, fire and police triad.<\/p>\n

EMS is included almost across the board in new legislation. This is a good thing.<\/p>\n

If you work EMS, I don\u2019t have to tell you EMS is sometimes forgotten (or excluded) in matters that affect EMS, Fire and Police services.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s not the case when it comes to the new concealed carry laws.<\/p>\n

EMS was included from the beginning and continues to be included in over 90% of all proposed laws regarding concealed carry.<\/p>\n

Almost all concealed carry bills include EMS personnel from start to finish.<\/p>\n

3.) Concealed Carry Is A Tool, Not A Guarantee<\/span><\/h3>\n

Remember that concealed carry is a tool. It’s in no way a guarantee of your safety.<\/p>\n

Treat concealed carry like any other tool. Use it only when it makes sense to do so.<\/p>\n

An analogy is how flight crews use Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). Smart flight crews never use goggles to fly into situations they wouldn\u2019t fly into without goggles.<\/p>\n

The goggles are an assist.<\/p>\n

The NVGs are a tool to make certain flights easier. All the same rules of common sense and good judgment still apply.<\/p>\n

A concealed weapon is a tool only used (or even considered) in extreme situations and only after all other available options are spent.<\/p>\n

4.) More Training Is Required<\/span><\/h3>\n

Thinking a concealed carry permit from your state is all you need to succeed with the new concealed carry laws is foolish.<\/p>\n

In all cases, more training is required.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re carrying a concealed weapon, your partner needs to know.<\/p>\n

Or think of it this way \u2014 if your partner is carrying a concealed weapon, wouldn\u2019t you want to know?<\/p>\n

Even if you choose to have no part of carrying a concealed weapon on your own, it\u2019s still in your best interest to know all you can about the new laws and how it affects you as a first responder.<\/p>\n

5.) Hope Is Not A Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hoping your EMS or fire station won’t be affected by the new concealed carry laws isn’t a plan.<\/p>\n

Like it or not, concealed carry is law in some states, and coming to more states soon.<\/p>\n

Learning as much as you can before laws are enacted in your state is the smart approach.<\/p>\n

Knowledge is your friend.<\/p>\n

Make smart decisions now. Decide what works best for your situation and start getting ready now.<\/p>\n

What do you think? What’s your best advice for getting ready for concealed carry laws in your state? Let me know in the comments section below this blog.<\/p>\n

Here is the audio version of this blog post:<\/strong><\/p>\n