Hospital and Carrying Scenario

**Ricochet** · February 12th, 2010, 02:42 PM

I was thinking the other day about what would happen, lets say if you are carrying (OC or CC) and you had to be taken to the hospital via ambulance for some reason.

Car accident or any other medical emergency in which you are taken by EMT's.

Is there a procedure for getting a weapon back?
I understand all hospitals have lockers for such a reason, but would law enforcement take possession of your firearm and then you have to retrieve it from them after you get released from the hospital?

**cmanzi** · February 12th, 2010, 03:01 PM

Think of the most difficult, painstaking, red-tape riddled, drawn out process you can imagine (worse than taxes pre-ez form), multiply it by 10.

It's probably pretty darn close...

FYI: I live in Philly.

**Bowhunter** · February 12th, 2010, 03:02 PM

More than likely of you were in an MVA, and had a a known gun on you, the investigating Officer/ Trooper would take the weapon for "safe keeping"

**Statkowski** · February 12th, 2010, 03:07 PM

The EMTs or Paramedics on scene would turn it over to the police officer in charge, if available. If not, they would secure it in the ambulance and turn it over to the hospital for safekeeping. It really should be a non-issue, unless, of course, you're in Philadelphia.

To retrieve it you'd probably have to show an LTCF.

**Exbiker** · February 12th, 2010, 03:41 PM

I was carrying when I had a bad wreck 3/31/07. It was the normal way I carry much of the time, IWB but with the grip and a good portion of the gun showing.
I didn`t get transported because I had one of my dogs with me so getting him home and waiting for a ride was priority.
I`m sure most on the scene saw it and also medics that examined me but nobody said a word.
other driver and his front seat passenger didn`t care they were unconscious and his rear seat passenger was hysterical.

**headcase** · February 12th, 2010, 03:57 PM

I just know there is a recent thread about just this very topic....

TA DA!!!!!

http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/828...-carrying.html

**wa3ra** · February 12th, 2010, 05:00 PM

I got smacked by a bee in the park in Lancaster a while back, and didn't realize it until it was too late; down I went.

A LCPD bike cop was there first, and he secured the .45 that I was carrying, and apparently saw the old paper-style permit while he was in my wallet finding out who I was. I don't remember, I was out). It is my understanding that he unloaded and bagged it.

Apparently, he released it to the ambulance crew, who in turn gave it to the hospital security; they gave a receipt and key to the ER people, who put it with my file. When I was discharged two days later, I had to go to the security office with the key and receipt, the OIC inserted his key, I put in mine, and recovered the weapon, unloaded, with the round from the chamber loose. That's all there was to it...

**rnestved** · February 13th, 2010, 12:06 AM

I have encountered this scenario a few times in my 15 years in EMS. For a medical call originating at the patient's residence the sidearm has always been left secured at home. The one time I had a medical call at a business, the person secured his sidearm in his vehicle mounted lock box. As far as accidents, I have left the weapon with LEO on scene, never transported sidearm with patient as I am not one to sit around on scene and play. PA has some drastic regulations not allowing EMS to be armed while on duty, but this is a topic of controversy with tactical EMS providers being armed, etc, and could dissuade some providers from transporting a sidearm to the hospital. Hope the insight helps.