Preferably cops or doctors; getting shot?

Question

i am getting ready to go in to the field of law enforcement (pa state trooper) and i am aware that of all the stress and personal issue that comes with the job, but one thing i haven't work out yet is getting shot. is not that am scared is like, if i get shot and die i cant live with that (LOL no literary) wat i mean is that if i die is OK , but wat scares me is if i get shot and become paralyze . so wat can i do for that wont happen to will wearing a BULLET RESISTANCE VEST lower chances and how come people get shot and don't become paralyze

Answer 1

When you take this job, and swear the oath, and are given the badge and gun, you are making a statement to society.  You are saying that you are the protector, that if evil comes for you, I will stand between it and you.  I will put myself in harms way so that you may be safe.  You are saying I will have courage in the face of danger, and will give my life if necassary to protect an innocent citizen in the community I serve.  You are expected to run towards the danger, while everyone else is running away.  You can die.  You can get shot.  But a hero will not let fear stop them from doing the right thing.  If you have doubts, reconsider this career.

Answer 2

I can't advise you on how not to be scared of getting shot, but I can say that you can be shot and not be paralyzed. Paralysis comes from cutting the spinal cord in two. When you think about it, that's a pretty small percentage of your body. There are lots of places you can get shot and not be paralyzed. Doesn't mean I'd recommend it, but that's the answer to your question.

Answer 3

You're a lot more likely to be paralyzed or killed in a car wreck while working in law enforcement. A bullet proof vest is going to do little to prevent injury or death in a car wreck. Your worries are a little misguided and you may not be ready to enter this line of work. Good luck though!

Answer 4

Paralysis comes from spinal cord injury. Body armor covers most of the spine, except for the neck. If you get shot in the spine with body armor, you will most likely crack some vertebrae, but you will not sever your spinal cord. Cracked vertebrae can be repaired.

Also worth noting is law enforcement in general is not that dangerous of a profession. The chances of getting shot are quite slim. However, when it does happen, it makes the headlines. Next time you see a story of an officer being shot, remember... there are 800,000 officers in the US. One being shot is a very minuscule percentage.