Overcoming the "tactical" mindset

[RockyMtnM&P]

You're an EMT so I'm sure you've seen the rookie who shows up with a duty belt packed with trauma shears a stethoscope seatbelt cutter goggles a box of gloves and a backpack with just **** in it and has no idea about the fundamentals of using really any of it. The same goes for ccw you have the folks not all rookies who feel they need to have all the gear and need to be be ready to face a Hollywood style shoot out. I think it comes down to the basics. Now some ten years after I started in EMS I have a stethoscope and a set of trauma shears on most all my calls all the big **** is in the bus. Ccw I'm fine with a gun a mag oc on occasion or a light if I'm out in the dark. Im all for a tricked out m4 or a competition model 1911. As a civilian or off duty are you really going to need a rigger belt full size glock with 4 mags TAC light, opns (insert your tactical device here). If you feel you're gonna need all of it I hope you have a good orthopedic doc to go to in 10 years.
In all seriousness dispite what we read in the news or see on TV the chance of a full blown firefight is rare. You'd prolly have better odds of being hit by a drunk driver than shooting it out with a gang of heavily armed thugs. Just as in ems street sense and awareness with a keen eye and the ability to recognize trouble and be proactive is key.

 

[Smoke]

You're an EMT so I'm sure you've seen the rookie who shows up with a duty belt packed with trauma shears a stethoscope seatbelt cutter goggles a box of gloves and a backpack with just **** in it and has no idea about the fundamentals of using really any of it.

I thought long and hard before I put that EMT logo on my profile. I want no misconceptions, I was an EMT a very long time ago (like in the early 90's) my certification lapsed several years ago and I haven't worked in the medical field in years (really decades).

That said I've not only seen that guy I've been that guy. I've also seen that guy working as a security guard

 

[C Broad Arrow]

When we are young and inexperienced we want to have every piece of gear to cover off any eventuality. In many ways we rely on the gear to make up for our lack of experience.
As we gain experience we shed the stuff that we are unlikely to use, and rely upon our skill to maximize the utility of that which we carry.
The interesting thing about this "rule" is that is applies to almost every job, task, profession that I know.
We have all been that rookie, with all the bright shiny gear, carrying more than you will ever likely need or make use of.
The question is do you want to remain "That guy", or let experience be the determining factor?

 

[Smoke]

The interesting thing about this "rule" is that is applies to almost every job, task, profession that I know.
We have all been that rookie, with all the bright shiny gear, carrying more than you will ever likely need or make use of.

I worked as a machinist for several years. I paid 265$ for a tap and die set that I used once and 300$ for an inside set that I'm almost positive I never used