EMS Patient with Concealed Weapon

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's EMS-Patient/Passenger in Possession of a Concealed Weapon policy?

To reduce the potential risk of injury to HEFD personnel, other emergency responders, and the public (correct)

To search all patients and their families for concealed weapons

To confiscate concealed weapons from patients and their families

To train law enforcement officers on how to handle concealed weapons

Who is the only person allowed to have a weapon on them in an ambulance?

A friend of the patient

A patient who has a concealed carry permit

An alert and oriented law enforcement officer (correct)

A family member of the patient

What should fire department personnel do if they approach a patient who appears threatening?

Call for law enforcement backup before approaching the patient

Search the patient for a concealed weapon

Try to communicate with the patient to determine if they have a concealed weapon

Never approach the patient, regardless of how ill they seem (correct)

What is one of the scenarios addressed by the HEFD's EMS-Patient/Passenger in Possession of a Concealed Weapon policy?

Conscious and alert patients Signup and view all the answers

Why should fire department personnel anticipate that any patient might have a weapon?

Because it is a precautionary measure to ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the re-evaluation date for the HEFD's EMS-Patient/Passenger in Possession of a Concealed Weapon policy?

January 1, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

Who approved the HEFD's EMS-Patient/Passenger in Possession of a Concealed Weapon policy?

Alan Wax, Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

How many pages is the HEFD's EMS-Patient/Passenger in Possession of a Concealed Weapon policy?

7 pages Signup and view all the answers

What type of weapon is represented by the symbol?

Cutting Blade Signup and view all the answers

How many types of weapon(s) can a patient have according to the form?

Multiple Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Lock Box #' field on the form?

To identify the secure storage location of the weapon Signup and view all the answers

Who signs the 'Witness' section of the 'Delivery of Weapon(s) from EMS to Hospital' section?

The EMS personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Seal #' field on the form?

To verify the security of the lock box Signup and view all the answers

Who completes the 'Delivery of Weapon(s) from EMS/Hospital to Law Enforcement' section?

The hospital staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Placed by' section on the form?

To record the date and time of the weapon's placement Signup and view all the answers

Who signs the 'Received by' section of the 'Delivery of Weapon(s) from EMS to Hospital' section?

The hospital staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Release of Weapon(s) from Hospital/Law Enforcement to Owner' section?

To release the weapon to its rightful owner Signup and view all the answers

How many sections are there in the Concealed Weapon Chain of Custody Form?

5 Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should HEFD personnel NEVER attempt to unload a firearm?

In all cases, regardless of the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action if a weapon is discovered during patient transport?

Stop the ambulance and secure the weapon with at least two HEFD personnel present. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would warrant immediate notification of the HEPD or appropriate police agency?

A patient is carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should HEFD personnel NOT encourage a patient to disarm themselves?

When the patient is experiencing severe pain and has difficulty controlling their motor functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for HEFD personnel to prioritize the safety of themselves and others when handling weapons?

To ensure the weapon is not used against them or others. Signup and view all the answers

What specific information should be communicated to NWCDS dispatch when requesting HEPD assistance to secure a weapon?

The reason for calling HEPD and the specific need for weapon security. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for HEFD personnel to assume all firearms are loaded?

To minimize the risk of potential injury or death. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate procedure for HEFD personnel to follow after securing a weapon?

Transfer the weapon to a police officer or hospital security personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Lock Box Procedure?

To serve as a contingency when no police officer is available Signup and view all the answers

What orientation should the weapon have when placed in the Lock Box?

Muzzle facing the red stripe Signup and view all the answers

Which step follows the placement of the weapon into the Lock Box?

Conduct a thorough secondary survey Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the Concealed Weapon Chain of Custody form after transferring possession?

Only the original copy stays with firearm Signup and view all the answers

Which copy of the Concealed Weapon Chain of Custody form goes to hospital security?

PINK copy Signup and view all the answers

What is the final action required after the weapon transfer is completed?

Tear off the HEFD copy and document electronically Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of a law enforcement officer at the hospital, who should you contact to meet the ambulance?

OLMC for hospital security Signup and view all the answers

Where should the lock box be placed prior to transport?

In a secure location such as outside compartment or under a bench seat Signup and view all the answers

When should a crew stage for law enforcement in the event of a patient carrying a weapon?

Whenever a patient is suspected of carrying a weapon, regardless of their level of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure when a weapon is found on an unconscious patient requiring immediate medical attention?

Carefully remove the weapon while minimizing the risk of accidental discharge. Signup and view all the answers

What should crew members do if a potential passenger is carrying a concealed weapon and refuses to relinquish it?

Inform the passenger that they will not be permitted to ride in the ambulance. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should the weapon be secured in a lockable box and transferred to law enforcement?

If law enforcement is not on the scene and it is not possible for the crew to wait for them, then the passenger must be willing to allow EMS or fire crews to secure the weapon in a lockable box and transfer custody of the weapon to law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, who is responsible for disarming a patient carrying a weapon?

Law enforcement officers. Signup and view all the answers

What should crew members do if they encounter a patient carrying a weapon and the patient is conscious but appears confused or disoriented?

Immediately call the police and stage for law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions are considered appropriate when dealing with a patient carrying a weapon?

Maintain a safe distance from the patient and call law enforcement for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

When a potential passenger is carrying a concealed weapon, what is the recommended course of action?

If it is not possible for the passenger to leave the weapon behind, then they must be willing to relinquish the weapon to police. If law enforcement is not on the scene and it is not possible for the crew to wait for them, then the passenger must be willing to allow EMS or fire crews to secure the weapon in a lockable box and transfer custody of the weapon to law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hoffman Estates Fire Department: EMS-Patient/Passenger with Concealed Weapon Guidelines

Purpose

To outline procedures for intervening with EMS patients and/or their families who lawfully carry a concealed weapon
To reduce the potential risk of injury to HEFD personnel, other emergency responders, and the public
To mutually respect the rights of citizens who lawfully carry a concealed weapon and provide safety for emergency personnel

Policy

Unsecured weapons are not allowed in HEFD apparatus
Only an alert and oriented law enforcement officer is allowed in an ambulance with a weapon on them
This policy addresses scenarios involving conscious and alert patients, unconscious or altered patients, and family members or friends with weapons who want to ride to the hospital in the ambulance

Procedure

Emergency Call Guidelines:
- Anticipate that any patient might have a weapon, legally concealed or otherwise
- Never approach a patient who appears threatening, no matter how ill they seem
- Law enforcement should be called to secure the scene and disarm any threatening individual(s)
Patient Self-Disclosure:
- Ideally, the patient will self-disclose that they have a weapon
- However, it is possible that patients may choose not to declare or may not be able to indicate that they have a weapon
Discovery of a Weapon on a Patient:
- Assume all firearms are loaded
- Never attempt to unload a firearm
- Optimally, weapons should be safely secured by the patient at their residence and not transported with the patient
- Patients with an altered level of consciousness, severe pain, or difficulties in motor control should not be encouraged to disarm themselves
- Caution should be used when handling a weapon, which should normally be done by a police officer
Weapons and Patient Condition:
- Patients carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are committing a criminal offense, and HEPD and/or appropriate police agency should be notified immediately
- When in doubt about a patient or family/friend with a weapon or the weapon itself, personnel should have the police respond
Transporting a Patient with a Weapon:
- If a weapon is found while transporting a patient, the ambulance should be stopped
- At least two HEFD personnel should be present while the weapon is secured in the Lock Box
Securing a Weapon:
- After a weapon is secured, HEFD personnel will transfer it to a police officer or hospital security and have no additional contact with the weapon
- If the patient is unconscious and requires emergent care but a police officer is not on the scene, the weapon should be carefully removed by HEFD personnel
Passengers with a Concealed Weapon:
- Potential passengers should be asked if they are carrying a concealed weapon
- If they are carrying a concealed weapon, they must leave the weapon behind in a secure location or with a responsible person
- If it is not possible for the passenger to leave the weapon behind, they must be willing to relinquish the weapon to police or have it secured by EMS or fire crews

Lock Box Procedure

This procedure should be used as a LAST RESORT and only if a police officer is not available, or the patient’s condition requires leaving the scene before a police officer can arrive
The holstered weapon should be placed into the Lock Box with the proper orientation, muzzle facing the red stripe
The Lock Box should be closed, and a thorough secondary survey conducted
Additional weapons found should be secured using the same procedure

Concealed Weapon Chain of Custody Form

This form should be completed by carefully following the directions
The original copy stays with the firearm, the YELLOW copy goes with law enforcement, the PINK copy goes to hospital security, and the GOLD copy goes with EMS
Document transfer of the weapon(s) to the facility on the Concealed Weapon Chain of Custody form

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Description

Standard Operating Guidelines for EMS personnel in cases where a patient or passenger is in possession of a concealed weapon. This NIMS-compliant guide outlines safety protocols and procedures.