Rex that’s a great response, you quite perfectly and eloquently described what I was trying to describe as my reasoning towards arming medics vs. turning cops into medics.
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Consider: If your purpose in arming FF/EMS on RTFs is last resort protection of self, patient, or the CCP the training issues become much simpler. CCW tasks, bell curve shooting problems, and a number of 2-3 day training products would be credible solutions. I would be quite comfortable putting some of my smart-selected FF/EMTs through Tom's Combative Pistol 1 and bringing them along with a cover team/protection officers. It needn't be as complicated as many will make it.
I think Rex G and ST911 nailed it, with emphasis on the "smart selected" portion. I think the same also applies to training the assaulters in rapid bleeding control and very simple airway maneuvers. The medical side of the house tends to want full paramedics on TEMS-style operations. The assaulters can easily be taught basic buddy care techniques. It doesn't solve the problem of mass casualty triage, care, and extraction but it makes the assault team more survivable, especially in the early part of an active shooter response where true SWAT and TEMS won't yet be on scene.
The problem with arming the nedics is they always want to be some kind of an "operator", and it never seems to end well.
Case in point:
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-te...on-1660734.php
I don't think the fire/medic world has a monopoly on moronic behavior when granted access to Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive. Law Enforcement has their own history of personnel who suddenly get hit with the stupid stick. Selection would be key, just like you would do with LEOs.
Lest I confuse the issue by supporting personal sidearms for selected members of an RTF: I support the original concept of the mixed PD/FD task force, with PD focusing on protection and FD or EMS focusing on triage, rapid bleeding control, and evacuation to a safe treatment area. Personal protection training and weapons would be a good advancement, but are not critical to applying the concept.
I may have mentioned before, but the county to the north of me has/had MDs and serious medical professionals as reserve deputies. Doc will know more about this. They often work with tactical units as medical support. My local Sheriff's office has an BLS ambulance staffed by armed reserve officers with armor and the appropriate medical training. In critical incidents, the idea is that they can go in and get people, while the rest of EMS stages outside until the scene is secured. I think you'd fit right in on one of these crews. Like anything, get started, and if you're 10-8, then other possibilities open up quickly. Find out if your local Sheriff's office has a reserve program, and what they really do. If it's just festivals and parades, you might want to pass. If it's patrol and SAR, you may find a home, especially with your skills.