In response to deliberate attacks on paramedics, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill that will allow first responders to be armed.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new law in Florida will allow paramedics to carry firearms when responding to shootings, drug raids and other high-risk situations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure Friday, June 7. It says paramedics don’t have to retreat and are justified in using force to defend themselves or others bodily harm.
The law takes effect July 1.
It identifies other such instances as dealing with an armed suicidal person and hostage situations.
Medical professionals carrying firearms are required to complete annual firearm safety training and tactical training, the measure says. – Fox 6
Kansas and Ohio already have these laws on the books, allowing emergency personnel to defend themselves in the event someone makes an already dangerous situation far more so. Tennessee, Mississippi, and Virginia are considering the measures.
An ambush against first responders is an act of cowardice but it does guarantee headlines. Attacking the emergency personnel who are not there to deal with a violent threat, but a medical or environmental one, falls into the same train of thought as attacking an unarmed school.
I hope to see more states take these steps and allow FR’s to protect themselves as they are a proven target.
Concealed carry with several parameters makes sense. Having an accessible secure weapon on the rig to counter an attack. Secure so that a patient cannot access it, only the certified crew. This isn’t a situation where “just let them carry” is an easy fix, patient and FR crew safety must be accounted for on weapon access. Done properly this is a very viable tool.
