Paramedicine and its dangers

I have previously mentioned that being an EMT or paramedic can be dangerous. Inner city medics are keenly aware of this, so are some suburban and rural medics. Some medic units have been known to pack weapons in certain areas, due to the high dangers. Others are known to wear Kevlar vests (Reasonably bulletproof). Personally, I consider it unethical to carry a gun while providing medical care, although I was tempted one time when I worked on an ambulance years ago in Los Angeles.

Once in a while, an incident occurs that drives this home to us again. That such incident occured this morning in Maplewood, MO, a suburb of St. Louis. A young firefighter-paramedic, 22-year old Ryan Hummert, was shot and killed this morning while responding to a car fire. As they got out of their fire engine, they were shot at from a home across the street. Two police officers were also shot, one critically.

It is a reminder that we must always stay vigilant, no matter where I am providing care. Especially where we are providing care. It isn't unheard of for hunters to be in the same region as the races that I provide emergency care at. Not that I would think of a hunter intentionally shooting at me, but weapons fire is possible anywhere.