Florida Paramedics Can Now Carry Firearms When Responding To High-Risk Situations

Florida has passed a law that will allow paramedics to carry firearms in high-risk situations.

Florida will now allow paramedics to be armed when responding to shootings, drug raids, and other high-risk situations. The law, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, was authorized on June 7. It states paramedics won’t have to retreat and are justified in using force to defend themselves or others.

Other instances where paramedics can use firearms is in the event of hostage situations or when confronting an armed suicidal person. Those who choose to carry a gun will have to complete an annual firearm safety and tactical training, according to medical professionals. Florida now joins Kansas and Ohio as states with emergency responder-firearm laws. Tennessee, Mississippi, and Virginia have also proposed similar bills. The law will go into effect on July 1.

DeSantis has also allowed teachers to be armed, after signing off on the school safety bill last month.