Each situation is different

[Chad Gardner]

This has been a question asked by almost all ER nurses at some point and the honest answer is.... it depends on your situation, and on the state you live in.

I live in Indiana and Indiana has "no retreat" laws. Basically this gives me a reasonable way of defending myself, even as an ER nurse. HOWEVER, the facts of the situation come into play.

Situation 1: If I am in triage and a man approaches me and raises a gun to my face, I have every reasonable right to punch him first in self defense.

Situation 2: If an 85 year old lady who is 105 lbs raises her cane to hit me. I DO NOT have a reasonable right to punch her first in self defense.

These two situations are rather clear cut, but I hope you get the idea. In any case, in most states, your employer still has the right to discipline or fire you. Always use your words first and leave a clear path of retreat. Know where your panic buttons are and how best to inform hospital security or your local law enforcement. Hope this helps.

[Chad Gardner]

Sorry, this was meant to be a tag on someone else's thread. I think this is a sign I need to go to bed.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Fist vs gun? Unless you're Chuck Norris or Jackie Chan, that ain't ending well.....

[Chad Gardner]

Hahaha... your right emtb2rn. The initial question was wheather or not you are alowed to hit someone first in self defense. I was just trying to give an example of acceptable self defense by striking first.