A bill introduced in the Tennessee legislature would allow emergency medical responders and firefighters to carry handguns for their safety, but some emergency response leaders aren’t sure that’s such a good idea.
As written, the bill “authorizes any person employed as a firefighter or emergency medical technician (EMT), that has received a written directive from their supervisor and completed an annual eight-hour firearm training, to carry a handgun while engaged in the performance of the person’s official duties.”
But don’t expect to see any Washington County/Johnson City EMS medics walking onto a medical scene with a gun strapped to their side.
Right now, the bill is in the Constitutional Protections & Sentencing Subcommittee for discussion on Wednesday. There would be no fiscal impact from the bill on the state, but those employees who are allowed to carry weapons would “incur increases in liability insurance premiums,” according to the Tennessee legislature website.