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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
This policy is specific to the Bethel Township EMS and Fire Department, but other groups on the US have similar policies. Its a bit of a hot topic.
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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
In response to
The Bethel Township EMS and Fire Department drafted this policy. As it stands, its the decision of the individual agencies and departments to determine whether on duty personnel can carry firearms.
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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
In response to
A policy from Bethel Township in Ohio allows EMS personnel on duty to carry firearms if they have a concealed carry permit through the state. The goal is protection in scenarios where the scene is not known to be unsecure prior to arrival by EMS.
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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
In response to
If this policy gains support, it can spread to other agencies and allow for many people to be armed on medical scenes. This can negatively affect the image of EMS, as people are already upset with the police. All it takes is one bad incident, and suddenly all EMTs will be painted negatively. Its a slippery slope.
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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
The policy addresses the "vulnerable" population of EMS personnel who are underprepared or not accompanied by law enforcement officers.
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ciera.williamsAnnotation of
In response to
The policy and much current conversation stems from gun control laws, increasing violence against law/fire/ems in the media, and an increasingly large population of volatile persons. EMS do not always feel safe on scene, even when it appears otherwise.