An Engine Company responded to an elderly man suffering from a diabetic emergency. Upon arrival, the emergency crew found a man sitting in his recliner. After initial assessment of the patient, he was diagnosed to be hypoglycemia. When the crew approached the patient, there was no weapon or items that could be used for a weapon present in the room. Emergency personnel treated patient for approximately 5 minutes without any problems. When emergency personnel began the actual treatment process the patient reached into his recliner (cushion or side pocket) and pulled out a handgun. He began to waive the gun in the air and toward emergency personnel. The initial reactions were to quickly remove themselves from the scene to avoid being shot. After all emergency personnel were clear of the structure; a radio call was made to dispatch for Police to respond. The patient’s wife who was still in the house eventually removed the gun from the patient’s hand and brought it outside to show emergency personnel. The crew advised her to keep the gun and the Police Department was arriving to get the firearm and secure the patient so emergency personnel could reenter the scene. No persons were injured on the emergency scene including the patient. LESSONS LEARNED: • People can function differently with low blood sugar depending on the person. Doo not take for granite the person’s capability. This patient was able to remember where his defense weapon was and able to pull it out of the chair and point it at emergency personnel. • Constantly check scene for items that could become a weapon, and remove them from the patient(s) reach. • Know where you exit is at all times and keep the pathway clear to avoid delay in exiting the structure. • Gain as much about the patient medical history and current situation and compare the information to the patient’s normal status to get the “big picture”. • When determining scene safety and stabilization, remember the saying you learned “me, us, them” and attempt to apply it to the situation. Always look after yourself and your team’s safety and then comes the person(s) receiving care.

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