In case you haven’t heard the news, the state of Florida now allows paramedics to carry to dangerous emergency calls for their own self-protection.
A story at the Palm Beach Post last week explains that the law, which went into effect at the beginning of July, does not allow for emergency medical personnel to be armed for their day-to-day responsibilities, but only in special circumstances. These are events like active shooter incidents, narcotics raids, and hostage situations.
“Our policy is very clear, ” EMS bureau chief of rescue for Martin County Fire Rescue Chris Kammel told the newspaper. “You will not see any Martin County Fire Rescue employees getting out of an ambulance or a fire engine with a firearm on their side.”
The law, which was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in early June, also requires the medical responders to hold concealed weapons permits in order to be eligible to carry, according to ABC Action News Tampa Bay. They also have to go through gun safety training and take yearly tactical training. – READ MORE