patch says "Ambulance" or "EMT". And it's a mindset that gets reinforced and echoed too often. I carry OC on a regular basis, and just had a new partner tell me that he didn't feel comfortable with anyone around him having pepper spray ... I agree wholeheartedly! We need to teach a lot of why's. And I for one feel that EMS personnel should be issued Vests that are bullet proof and knife proof, and be allowed to carry some sort of personal protection that would work. We are taught to "do no harm" but we should never be somebody's punching bag, or worse. People on both sides of the arming EMS debate have unreasonable expectations and misconceptions, but better and more extensive training in self-defense is something both sides should be able to agree on. Thanks for the comments, ya'll. Here in NC we have the following that dictates weapons on EMS vehicles- 10A NCAC 13P .0216 WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES FORBIDDEN (a) Weapons, as defined by the local county district attorney's office, and explosives shall not be worn or carried aboard an ambulance or EMS nontransporting vehicle within the State of North Carolina when the vehicle is operating in any patient treatment or transport capacity or is available for such function. (b) This Rule shall apply whether or not such weapons and explosives are concealed or visible. (c) This Rule shall not apply to duly appointed law enforcement officers. (d) Safety flares are authorized for use on an ambulance