TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Armed paramedics would be able to accompany law-enforcement officers during “high-risk” operations, under bills moving in the legislature.
Proposals in the House and Senate would allow paramedics and other medical professionals to be armed while accompanying law enforcement in hostage incidents, narcotics raids, hazardous surveillance, sniper incidents, high risk felony warrant services, fugitives refusing to surrender, and active shooter incidents, among others.
Speaking to the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week, Broward County SWAT Officer Greg Lees says the bill is needed to saves lives.
“This, to me, is a no-brainer bill. It provides the ability for the people who are providing aid to us and the citizens to protect themselves," said Lees.
So far, the measure has unanimously passed one of three committee stops in both the House and Senate. The bill would require the paramedics to have concealed-weapons licenses and for law enforcement agencies to establish training and deployment policies.
