Firefighter Paramedics William Strickland and Steven Ames assist a simulated burn victim during a mass casualty drill at Naval Branch Health Clinic Mayport. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick J. Cook)
On July 1, a new Florida law will make it legal for paramedics and physicians involved in SWAT operations to carry a weapon when they are responding to volatile and high-risk calls.
On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill that will make EMS safer by authorizing a means of protecting themselves in incidents involving shootings, drugs, suicidal individuals, hostages, and more, CNN reported Monday.
The new law says it “exempts certain licensed medical professionals from specified provisions concerning the carrying of firearms; requiring certain policies and procedures for law enforcement agencies; providing such professionals have no duty to retreat in certain circumstances; providing immunities and privileges for such professionals.”
by Cheryl Hinneburg