Louisiana § RS 40:1379.1.6 - Tactical medical professionals

§ RS 40:1379.1.6. Tactical medical professionals

            A. As used in this Section, "tactical medical professional" means a licensed paramedic or physician as defined in R.S. 37:1262, who is employed or contracted by a law enforcement agency to provide direct support to a tactical law enforcement unit by providing medical services at high-risk incidents, including but not limited to hostage incidents, narcotics raids, hazardous surveillance, sniper incidents, armed suicidal persons, barricaded suspects, high-risk felony warrant services, fugitives refusing to surrender, and active shooter incidents.

            B. While actively operating in direct support of a tactical operation by a tactical law enforcement unit, a tactical medical professional may carry a firearm in the same manner as a law enforcement officer at any place a tactical law enforcement operation occurs if all of the following conditions are met:

            (1) The tactical medical professional is lawfully able to possess firearms and has an active concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.3.

            (2) The tactical medical professional is appointed to a tactical law enforcement unit of a law enforcement agency by the head of the law enforcement agency.

            (3) The law enforcement agency has an established policy providing for the appointment, training, and deployment of the tactical medical professional.

            (4) The tactical medical professional has successfully completed firearm safety training and tactical training as established or designated by the appointing law enforcement agency.

            (5) The law enforcement agency provides, and the tactical medical professional participates in, annual firearm training and tactical training.

            C. While actively operating in direct support of a tactical operation by a tactical law enforcement unit, a tactical medical professional:

            (1) Has no duty to retreat and is justified in the use of any force which he reasonably believes is necessary to defend himself or another from bodily harm.

            (2) Has the same immunities and privileges as a law enforcement officer in any civil or criminal action arising out of a tactical law enforcement unit operation when acting within the scope of his official duties.

            D. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to authorize a tactical medical professional to carry, transport, or store any firearm or ammunition on any fire apparatus or EMS vehicle.

            E. The appointing law enforcement agency shall issue any firearm or ammunition that the tactical medical professional carries in accordance with this Section.

            Acts 2025, No. 336, §1.