Now that tactical medical professionals are permitted to carry firearms, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) voted in July on training rules, as required by recently passed House Bill 79.
The rules have been introduced to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) for approval.
The bill, which was signed by Gov. John Kasich on March 1, allows tactical medics who meet certain standards to carry firearms on duty.
To carry a firearm, the medic must be attached to a law enforcement agency and must be trained and certified.
Tactical medics are specially trained medical providers who respond along with law enforcement during crisis situations to provide immediate emergency care and to evacuate the wounded.
The rules — which had to be set and approved by the commission — require the medic to complete a basic firearms course and a scenario-based training course in order to be issued a certificate of completion by OPOTC’s executive director.
The firearms course is offered every year, and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) is creating a new scenario-based training course for medics and others that will be available by the time the rules are effective, said James Burke, director of advanced training at OPOTA.
To see OPOTA’s course catalog, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov and click on “OPOTA.”