I haven't been shot at for a long time, why now?

#18indycolts · January 22, 2006, 08:27 AM

As a medic in indy I've only been shot at twice in 5 yrs. Fri. night we get called for a person shot, stage in the area and wait for PD. Well I guess we didn't stage far enough (we were 2 blocks away). I shut off the lights and wait for PD to clear us in when all of a sudden someone starts banging on the window. She proceeds to tell me that her brother is shot and for us to help him. I told her to relax and go back home, I really didn't want to draw any attention my way. So, I hear that PD marked on scene and I think it shouldn't be but a few minutes. 10 min. go by before we're cleared (turned out PD was getting conflicting stories and that the family wasn't cooperating. And there might have been multiple guns. So, PD had every right to do what they did before they deemed the scene safe. Finally we get there and the kid is dead, we found 8 entry wounds including 2 to the neck. So I call him, PD already knew and we mark back in service with a disregard from 10-0. My partner turns the corner and we see flashes directly at us and i hear the thump, thump hitting the ambulance. I felt like i was in iraq, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping. My partner smashes the pedal to get us out of there, and get on the radio. PD had heard the shots and were already there before I got on the radio. We leave the scene with a police escort to a nearby strip mall to start my paperwork. I think every LEO in indy showed up, it seemed like it. The 2 idiots that shot at us were takin in, and I found out shortly after that they were friends of the family that were mad because we didn't try and save the kid that was shot. Trust me, I would be upset also...but its the nature of my business, because I am not going into a dangerous situation where I could possibly die and not make it back to my family. Now my weekend is ruined, can't even enjoy the football games on today because I'm constantly telling myself that I save lives for a living, and here some jackhole tries taking my and my partner's life.

Glock 31 · January 22, 2006, 08:46 AM

Man that sucks having to deal with stuff like that. I would say some encouraging words of hope, but unfortunately with the generation of kids and young adults these days, I can't. If it were me I would just say screw people like that let them kill each other off and hopefully only the good people will be left. But I guess that is the view of a cynic. I have a hard time imagining that in the next generation or two, there will be anyone from the 20 to 30 yearold range who will give a crap enough to actually put the dedication and effort into becoming a paramedic, or a cop or a doctor for that matter. I hope your job gets better man but I would really suggest moving to a smaller town. I wouldn't even consider touring LA or New York or most other big cities as a vacation, let alone live there. But i'm a small town guy, so I guess i'm kind of biased.

Stay safe man.

#18indycolts · January 22, 2006, 09:13 AM

You have no idea how much I appreciate that, really. Its not that I'm second guessing my career, i'm not. I wouldn't do anything else. But what gets me is the ones that shot at me would NOT hesitate to call 911 if they needed it, how funny would that be? I show up and they gotta think if I'm gonna do everything I can. Will I? I don't know. Bottom line, you try and take my life and you better not need my help in the future. Because that bridge just went up in flames.

GUNSMOKE45441 · January 22, 2006, 09:36 AM

Glad to hear you're safe! Even in our rural podunk area there are names and addresses that are red flagged, no entry until LE arrives.
Thanks for your dedication.

NDTerminator · January 22, 2006, 09:38 AM

I look at it this way, I expect every call to go to hell, that way I'm not surprised when they do.

I'm not cynical (OK, maybe to a certain degree) just experienced...

depicts · January 22, 2006, 12:39 PM

Just think, these two who shot at you wouldn't have the decency to tell the police what they knew about the original shooting either I'll bet. These punks witness this violence every day, and no one has the courage to make a stand and help the police send the bad guys to jail.

I can't understand it. Well I guess I can, when you know the whole community is the same way, and someone will seek revenge for "ratting" them out. This kind of violence will only stop when the majority of people work together to make their communities safe.

I commend you for your dedication. I also Want you to know we alll want you to go home to your family at night. There are far too few guys and gals like you around, and far too many gangbangers and punks.

Here in Boston the violence is crazy. Senseless violence, nevermind someone with a grudge. People just want to show how tough they are by "capping" someone, and it makes no difference who it is. Our mayor wants people to take personal responsability for public safety, but won't issue handgun permits to legal citizens.

I'm drifting here...but my point is...thank you. Keep your head down and your courage up. Also think about the advice to get to a smaller town. There are some real nice places in this country that need good medics, and the expected life span can be quite good.

Capt. Charlie · January 22, 2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Just think, these two who shot at you wouldn't have the decency to tell the police what they knew about the original shooting either I'll bet. These punks witness this violence every day, and no one has the courage to make a stand and help the police send the bad guys to jail.

We had (another) shooting last night. Guy took a .38 spl. in the calf over dope. All his buddies were there saying we don't care about their neighborhood, but when asked, nobody saw nothin'

.

To make it worse, the "victim" was un-cooperative as well

.

We caught the shooter anyhow, less than 3 hours later.

.

If these guys don't care, I'm not going to loose any sleep either.

Phxdog · January 22, 2006, 01:31 PM

I don't have the stones to do what you people in harm's way do. I sure am grateful that you do.

Do you guys wear body armor? Could you? Has it come to that?

droemt · January 22, 2006, 01:55 PM

here in lubbock, tx the medics can wear vests but i think it has to be purchased from personal funds. i work in an er in lubbock and have witnessed and heard about many gun threats toward our staff but have never had an actual shooting. i never thought i would hear the same threats working in the hospital setting as opposed to the field setting but i guess i was wrong.

pax · January 22, 2006, 01:59 PM

indy ~

Thanks for what you do. Glad you're safe!

pax

Dwight55 · January 22, 2006, 04:54 PM

To every EMT, every fireman, every squad nurse and especially you, Indycolt, . . . thanks, guys and gals. You do a job I could not do, . . . because I'm just dumb enough and hot headed enough (used to be any way

) that I'd want to strangle them with my stethoscope, . . . and that just probably wouldn't work too well.

Keep your head down, . . . be safe, . . . glad you are on the job(s).

May God bless,
Dwight

Daniel BOON · January 22, 2006, 05:14 PM

if your life is in imminant danger, I would think you could shoot back;
at the moment, pittsburg 24, denver 3........
thank you for your service, you are very much appreciated.
Duty Honor Country

Sir William · January 22, 2006, 08:12 PM

I was shot at (sniped) in Miami in 1992. Our marked unit was targeted. I only became angry because I had to clean up all the broken glass inside the unit. You become stoic after awhile. Glad you survived.

JJB2 · January 22, 2006, 08:57 PM

it's a real shame of the U.S.A. that we have such barbaric pri(ks in our cities.. i'm so glad i live in a small iowa town.. you couldn't get me to live in ANY major U.S. city... you guys really do in live in a war zone there...

NOW IS ABSOLUTELY THE WRONG TIME TO TRY AND DISARM ME.............

xrageofangelsx · January 22, 2006, 09:25 PM

I am sorry to hear about your experiences there in the great state of Indiana. I miss it, but there are parts of Indianapolis I do not miss. If you ever consider relocating to Columbus, Indiana, I think you will be well pleased. Very gun friendly, small city (30k+) and plenty of ER runs to make. Cost of living is high, but for a reason. It is a nice place to live. It's maybe 40 miles south of Indy directly on 1-65 (it intersects Northern Columbus). Peace be with you!

IndianaDean · January 22, 2006, 09:44 PM

Glad you're ok. I'm in Indy also. Where did this happen?

sjstill · January 22, 2006, 10:17 PM

Glad to hear you're OK.

Stinks to hear crap like that happening here in Indy. Makes me glad I carry....

DerDer · January 23, 2006, 12:26 AM

I've been shot at multiple times and I can tell you that it is no fun at all. I believe that sometimes circumstances present themselves to where you must discharge your firearm. I also in believe in divine providence. May your journey be a safe voyage.

springmom · January 23, 2006, 02:22 AM

....and because they are jerks who can only express themselves by pulling a trigger. More chlorine needed at this end of the gene pool, please! :barf:

Glad you're safe. Stay that way.

Springmom

rezmedic54 · January 23, 2006, 09:02 AM

Indy I know what you mean as I can say been there done that. As a retired Paramedic of 20 yrs. I been shot once and stabbed 3 times all in the line of duty. So I know how you feel. All I can say is that we are a weird breed of folks as every time we get the call we go. Glad they missed so stay low and watch your back.If I hadn't messed my back up I'd still be doing it. It was just I loved it that much sure do miss the lights and sirens. Kurt, Be Safe Out There

#18indycolts · January 23, 2006, 09:25 AM

thanx all for the kind words. Hey Dean, i wish i could tell ya where it happened but lets just say it didn't happen in an area where you'd expect that sort of thing. Also I just got off the phone with the bat. chief and they recovered 3 9mm bullets from the side of the bus that didn't penetrate thru and 2 9mm bullets that went thru the inside and stuck inside the narc cabinet. If we had a patient one of us would have been in the back and could have gotten hit. thanx god nobody was back there. Also, I'll try and find out what kind of rounds they were.

KC135 · January 23, 2006, 08:06 PM

Safe scene is the name of the game. You did just as you were trained. Good Job. Stay safe and go home to your family.

Just the opinion of a very lod EMT.

#18indycolts · January 25, 2006, 10:46 PM

I feel like I have family here.

Pharley · January 25, 2006, 11:10 PM

EMS personnel deserve a lot more credit than will ever be given.
A lot of times Dipsatch does not get accurate information, as the caller is vague or not telling the entire scenario, and our EMS personnel sometimes walk into a cluster. Have busted in several doors getting to our medics who have responded to a call, and end up inside fighting with someone cracked up or on meth, or someone intoxicated. I don't know what kind of "officer safety" skills they teach you, but it is especially important since you have a lot lees tools to work with than LEOs.

xrageofangelsx · January 25, 2006, 11:34 PM

You do have family here!

January 22, 2006, 09:38 AM	#5
NDTerminator Member Join Date: January 8, 2006 Posts: 59	I look at it this way, I expect every call to go to hell, that way I'm not surprised when they do. I'm not cynical (OK, maybe to a certain degree) just experienced... __________________ To my great mortification, my father once told me; "you care nothing but for dogs, shooting, and rat catching, you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family" Charles Darwin

January 22, 2006, 12:39 PM	#6
depicts Junior Member Join Date: December 8, 2005 Posts: 5	18indycolts I appreciate your work Just think, these two who shot at you wouldn't have the decency to tell the police what they knew about the original shooting either I'll bet. These punks witness this violence every day, and no one has the courage to make a stand and help the police send the bad guys to jail. I can't understand it. Well I guess I can, when you know the whole community is the same way, and someone will seek revenge for "ratting" them out. This kind of violence will only stop when the majority of people work together to make their communities safe. I commend you for your dedication. I also Want you to know we alll want you to go home to your family at night. There are far too few guys and gals like you around, and far too many gangbangers and punks. Here in Boston the violence is crazy. Senseless violence, nevermind someone with a grudge. People just want to show how tough they are by "capping" someone, and it makes no difference who it is. Our mayor wants people to take personal responsability for public safety, but won't issue handgun permits to legal citizens. I'm drifting here...but my point is...thank you. Keep your head down and your courage up. Also think about the advice to get to a smaller town. There are some real nice places in this country that need good medics, and the expected life span can be quite good.

January 22, 2006, 01:55 PM	#9
droemt Member Join Date: January 7, 2006 Location: lubbock, tx Posts: 35	body armor here in lubbock, tx the medics can wear vests but i think it has to be purchased from personal funds. i work in an er in lubbock and have witnessed and heard about many gun threats toward our staff but have never had an actual shooting. i never thought i would hear the same threats working in the hospital setting as opposed to the field setting but i guess i was wrong.

January 22, 2006, 01:59 PM	#10
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	indy ~ Thanks for what you do. Glad you're safe! pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

January 22, 2006, 04:54 PM	#11
Dwight55 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,568	To every EMT, every fireman, every squad nurse and especially you, Indycolt, . . . thanks, guys and gals. You do a job I could not do, . . . because I'm just dumb enough and hot headed enough (used to be any way ) that I'd want to strangle them with my stethoscope, . . . and that just probably wouldn't work too well. Keep your head down, . . . be safe, . . . glad you are on the job(s). May God bless, Dwight __________________ www.dwightsgunleather.com If you can breathe, . . . thank God! If you can read, . . . thank a teacher! If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a Veteran!

January 22, 2006, 08:27 AM	#1
#18indycolts Junior member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Indpls Posts: 1,159	I haven't been shot at for a long time, why now? As a medic in indy I've only been shot at twice in 5 yrs. Fri. night we get called for a person shot, stage in the area and wait for PD. Well I guess we didn't stage far enough (we were 2 blocks away). I shut off the lights and wait for PD to clear us in when all of a sudden someone starts banging on the window. She proceeds to tell me that her brother is shot and for us to help him. I told her to relax and go back home, I really didn't want to draw any attention my way. So, I hear that PD marked on scene and I think it shouldn't be but a few minutes. 10 min. go by before we're cleared (turned out PD was getting conflicting stories and that the family wasn't cooperating. And there might have been multiple guns. So, PD had every right to do what they did before they deemed the scene safe. Finally we get there and the kid is dead, we found 8 entry wounds including 2 to the neck. So I call him, PD already knew and we mark back in service with a disregard from 10-0. My partner turns the corner and we see flashes directly at us and i hear the thump, thump hitting the ambulance. I felt like i was in iraq, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping. My partner smashes the pedal to get us out of there, and get on the radio. PD had heard the shots and were already there before I got on the radio. We leave the scene with a police escort to a nearby strip mall to start my paperwork. I think every LEO in indy showed up, it seemed like it. The 2 idiots that shot at us were takin in, and I found out shortly after that they were friends of the family that were mad because we didn't try and save the kid that was shot. Trust me, I would be upset also...but its the nature of my business, because I am not going into a dangerous situation where I could possibly die and not make it back to my family. Now my weekend is ruined, can't even enjoy the football games on today because I'm constantly telling myself that I save lives for a living, and here some jackhole tries taking my and my partner's life.

January 22, 2006, 08:46 AM	#2
Glock 31 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2005 Posts: 541	Man that sucks having to deal with stuff like that. I would say some encouraging words of hope, but unfortunately with the generation of kids and young adults these days, I can't. If it were me I would just say screw people like that let them kill each other off and hopefully only the good people will be left. But I guess that is the view of a cynic. I have a hard time imagining that in the next generation or two, there will be anyone from the 20 to 30 yearold range who will give a crap enough to actually put the dedication and effort into becoming a paramedic, or a cop or a doctor for that matter. I hope your job gets better man but I would really suggest moving to a smaller town. I wouldn't even consider touring LA or New York or most other big cities as a vacation, let alone live there. But i'm a small town guy, so I guess i'm kind of biased. Stay safe man.

January 22, 2006, 09:13 AM	#3
#18indycolts Junior member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Indpls Posts: 1,159	You have no idea how much I appreciate that, really. Its not that I'm second guessing my career, i'm not. I wouldn't do anything else. But what gets me is the ones that shot at me would NOT hesitate to call 911 if they needed it, how funny would that be? I show up and they gotta think if I'm gonna do everything I can. Will I? I don't know. Bottom line, you try and take my life and you better not need my help in the future. Because that bridge just went up in flames.

January 22, 2006, 09:36 AM	#4
GUNSMOKE45441 Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2004 Posts: 129	Glad to hear you're safe! Even in our rural podunk area there are names and addresses that are red flagged, no entry until LE arrives. Thanks for your dedication.

January 22, 2006, 01:31 PM	#8
Phxdog Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Location: Phoenix Posts: 236	I don't have the stones to do what you people in harm's way do. I sure am grateful that you do. Do you guys wear body armor? Could you? Has it come to that?

January 22, 2006, 05:14 PM	#12
Daniel BOON Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2005 Location: Henderson NV Posts: 360	tempted to shoot back if your life is in imminant danger, I would think you could shoot back; at the moment, pittsburg 24, denver 3........ thank you for your service, you are very much appreciated. Duty Honor Country

January 22, 2006, 08:12 PM	#13
Sir William Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2004 Posts: 3,261	I was shot at (sniped) in Miami in 1992. Our marked unit was targeted. I only became angry because I had to clean up all the broken glass inside the unit. You become stoic after awhile. Glad you survived.

January 22, 2006, 08:57 PM	#14
JJB2 Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2005 Posts: 558	it's a real shame of the U.S.A. that we have such barbaric pri(ks in our cities.. i'm so glad i live in a small iowa town.. you couldn't get me to live in ANY major U.S. city... you guys really do in live in a war zone there... NOW IS ABSOLUTELY THE WRONG TIME TO TRY AND DISARM ME.............

January 22, 2006, 09:25 PM	#15
xrageofangelsx Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2004 Location: Ohio, Indiana and sometimes Kentucky. Posts: 410	I am sorry to hear about your experiences there in the great state of Indiana. I miss it, but there are parts of Indianapolis I do not miss. If you ever consider relocating to Columbus, Indiana, I think you will be well pleased. Very gun friendly, small city (30k+) and plenty of ER runs to make. Cost of living is high, but for a reason. It is a nice place to live. It's maybe 40 miles south of Indy directly on 1-65 (it intersects Northern Columbus). Peace be with you! __________________ Caution: Author suffers from foot in mouth disease.

January 22, 2006, 09:44 PM	#16
IndianaDean Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2004 Location: Indiana(obviously) Posts: 362	Glad you're ok. I'm in Indy also. Where did this happen?

January 22, 2006, 10:17 PM	#17
sjstill Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2004 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 108	Glad to hear you're OK. Stinks to hear crap like that happening here in Indy. Makes me glad I carry.... __________________ My name is Steve, and I'm a Glockaholic. The primary target is what we call the thoracic triangle. Shots to this area tend to make people FDGB (“fall down go boom”).

January 23, 2006, 12:26 AM	#18
DerDer Registration in progress Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 56	I've been shot at multiple times and I can tell you that it is no fun at all. I believe that sometimes circumstances present themselves to where you must discharge your firearm. I also in believe in divine providence. May your journey be a safe voyage.

January 23, 2006, 02:22 AM	#19
springmom Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2005 Location: Houston area Posts: 1,823	because you were there ....and because they are jerks who can only express themselves by pulling a trigger. More chlorine needed at this end of the gene pool, please! :barf: Glad you're safe. Stay that way. Springmom __________________ I will not be a victim home on the web: www.panagia-icons.net (my webpage) www.nousfromspring.blogspot.com (Orthodoxy) "I couldn't hear you. Stop firing the gun while you're talking!" Frank Drebin, The Naked Gun

January 23, 2006, 09:02 AM	#20
rezmedic54 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 288	Shot at and Hit Indy I know what you mean as I can say been there done that. As a retired Paramedic of 20 yrs. I been shot once and stabbed 3 times all in the line of duty. So I know how you feel. All I can say is that we are a weird breed of folks as every time we get the call we go. Glad they missed so stay low and watch your back.If I hadn't messed my back up I'd still be doing it. It was just I loved it that much sure do miss the lights and sirens. Kurt, Be Safe Out There __________________ Kurt Pietrzak Maricopa Shooting Service S.W.A.T. South West Airsoft Tactical CCW Instrutor NRA Certified Instructor Gunsmith Maricopa ,Az. http:www.maricopashooting.com Last edited by rezmedic54; January 23, 2006 at 11:17 AM.

January 23, 2006, 09:25 AM	#21
#18indycolts Junior member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Indpls Posts: 1,159	thanx all for the kind words. Hey Dean, i wish i could tell ya where it happened but lets just say it didn't happen in an area where you'd expect that sort of thing. Also I just got off the phone with the bat. chief and they recovered 3 9mm bullets from the side of the bus that didn't penetrate thru and 2 9mm bullets that went thru the inside and stuck inside the narc cabinet. If we had a patient one of us would have been in the back and could have gotten hit. thanx god nobody was back there. Also, I'll try and find out what kind of rounds they were.

January 23, 2006, 08:06 PM	#22
KC135 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 222	Safe scene is the name of the game. You did just as you were trained. Good Job. Stay safe and go home to your family. Just the opinion of a very lod EMT.

January 25, 2006, 10:46 PM	#23
#18indycolts Junior member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Indpls Posts: 1,159	I feel like I have family here.

January 25, 2006, 11:10 PM	#24
Pharley Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 116	EMS personnel deserve a lot more credit than will ever be given. A lot of times Dipsatch does not get accurate information, as the caller is vague or not telling the entire scenario, and our EMS personnel sometimes walk into a cluster. Have busted in several doors getting to our medics who have responded to a call, and end up inside fighting with someone cracked up or on meth, or someone intoxicated. I don't know what kind of "officer safety" skills they teach you, but it is especially important since you have a lot lees tools to work with than LEOs. __________________ "Out of every ONE HUNDRED men, TEN should not be here, EIGHTY are nothing but targets, NINE are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they the battle make. Ah, but the ONE, ONE of them is a WARRIOR, and he will bring the others back."

January 25, 2006, 11:34 PM	#25
xrageofangelsx Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2004 Location: Ohio, Indiana and sometimes Kentucky. Posts: 410	You do have family here! __________________ Caution: Author suffers from foot in mouth disease.