Should Doctors Have Guns?

[Anxious Patient]

The author, a doctor, makes the case that in our climate of daily random violence and desperate drug addicts, a doctor would be wise to have a gun in his office. He brings up the example of emergency rooms having metal detectors and bullet proof glass because shootings have actually occurred there. So he asks:

Would you not see a doctor if you knew he had a gun in his office?

To those who would fear ....... I ask you this, why would a doctor having a gun bother you? Do you live in fear that your physician is trying to kill you? I mean if he really wanted you dead, he could stab you with a scalpel or inject you with something lethal. He could do so with the tools of his profession in a much more efficient manner than with a gun.

http://brainblogger.com/2008/05/09/should-doctors-have-guns/

[Atheos]

if were as easy as ban guns, reduce crime, i'd be all for it (well, probably not, but i'd be less against it.) unfortunately, it's not that simple. to date there are no studies that indicate that gun bans reduce violent crimes, nor any studies that rink gun ownership to increased crime.

i do think you are right tho, their societies are more peaceful than ours. but i think it has to do with a lot more than gun control laws...

there was a study. it was called washington dc. had the absolute strictest gun laws and was the murder capital (most by guns) of the country for how long?

enough said...

and yes, firestarter, unless a gun is already in my face, i can pull it out quickly and squeeze in a double or triple tap to one's upper torso.

guns don't kill people. people kill people.

[JBudd, MSN]

Didn't see that episode, but did have a gun carrying person come in looking for the fellow that got caught selling drugs, tried to run, hit a cop and was shot. Yes, we do have bullet proof glass in triage! He didn't shoot, left when noone admitted the guy was in the back.

(BTW, no HIPAA violation, the above vague details have all been in the newspaper, except about the visitor)

[Iam46yearsold]

Some interesting responses.

I do not carry a gun or a weapon at work.

I do have one in my car. I also have a Katana in my car. I am actually quite well versed with both of them. I am also licensed to carry weapons.

At work, I carry no weapons. I did help formulate the hospitals violence and weapons policies at the hospital. As far as protecting patients of course I will. If I can do it safely by closing a door, calling for help, or something that does not place me in Harm's Way. We do have alledged security to take care of those alledged problems. I am highly trained in Judo, and very adept at it. I am also in excellent shape and can defend myself very well. I have surprised more than a few people in my time. I have studied Judo since my early teens and that was a very long time ago.

As far as MDs having guns. I believe that is a situation best solved by laws, hospital policies and by ones own life standards.

[Kiringat]

I have a concealed weapons permit, and am registered with the hospital to keep my gun in my locker during shift. Believe me, if a gun carrying maniac gets loose, my first thought will be to get to my gun. I want to maintain the right to defend myself and my patients, and would have no problem doing so.

As long as the bad guys can go buy a gun pretty much on every street corner, us law-abiding citizen should be able to have one too.

[redranger]

So, let's imagine that every single citizen decided to obtain a liscense to carry a concealed weapon. I'm talking theoretically. I happen to live in a state where it's relatively easy to obtain a permit to carry a gun, so I know what the reality is, but I'm talking 'let's imagine'.

So, in this imaginary world, 95% of the citizenry is packing a gun. Would you feel safer?

Car Jackers would not feel safe.

Many states have the "Castle Law", and Texas passed it last year.

You can carry a concealed weapon in your car with no licenses, In your place of business, and of course in your home.

And if you happen to shot a intruder, them or their family can't sue you for them breaking into your house...

[RNperdiem, RN]

There is a difference between feeling safe and actually being safe.

A gun can make a person feel safe. Why not save the money you would spend on a gun to use for first months rent and moving costs to a safer area.

[redranger]

There is a difference between feeling safe and actually being safe.

A gun can make a person feel safe. Why not save the money you would spend on a gun to use for first months rent and moving costs to a safer area.

Because Criminals will profile:

UpperClass Neighborhoods

Luxury Cars

Upper End Shopping Malls

Spend your money on a good gun.....

[VORB]

Why not save the money you would spend on a gun to use for first months rent and moving costs to a safer area?

A gun is a lot cheaper than all of that.

Besides, running is not the answer. Defending yourself is. And you could not possibly run far enough away to equalize the unfair advantage an armed thug has over an unarmed citizen, as they can find you anywhere anytime.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

You watched that episode of ER too, eh?

Didn't see the "ER" episode ... but have been part of that scenario at work. Twice.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

The ER episode situation has happened a few times where I've worked too. Sometimes life is just one big drama!

[woody436]

I think ER docs should carry pre-filled syringes of potassium chloride holstered like a bandolier around their chests! Ready to go at a moment's notice

[Equinox_93]

Didn't see that episode, but did have a gun carrying person come in looking for the fellow that got caught selling drugs, tried to run, hit a cop and was shot. Yes, we do have bullet proof glass in triage! He didn't shoot, left when noone admitted the guy was in the back.

(BTW, no HIPAA violation, the above vague details have all been in the newspaper, except about the visitor)

Holy crap. Yeah- THAT is the exact situation that would make me ALOT more comfortable to be carrying concealed. Glad you all were OK. It's a crazy world out there. Nice to have that bullet proof glass for triage! Sad that it's necessary, but... Sheesh!