REMSA Special Operations Teams: Tactical EMS

Air Date: 4/7/2003

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In response to the growing threat of a more determined and violent criminal and terrorist element in today's society, the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) has trained and placed a highly experienced group of eight paramedics with local police Special Weapons and Tactics Teams (SWAT).

Despite peaceful resolution always being the goal of a tactical team, the unpredictable actions of criminals and terrorists can sometimes result in casualties. REMSA's team of highly trained tactical medics operate under an expanded scope of practice overseen by the REMSA Medical Director. They provide advanced emergency medical care while on scene during police activities to injured officers, hostages, suspects, officers' dogs and the general public.

These specially trained paramedics understand the tactical environment and are able to move quickly to access care. Team members are equipped with special medical gear, attend all SWAT trainings, and are required to maintain excellent physical condition.

Tactical Paramedics Areas of Expertise:

• Capable of administering Advanced Life Support (ALS) care within the first 60 seconds of a life-threatening injury in the tactical environment.
• Preventative medicine for SWAT members (pre-medical exams, blood lab work hydration logistics).
• Medicine for extended operations.
• Clandestine drug laboratory raids, and medical effects.
• Care under fire
• Medical care in barricade situations
• Medical planning and intelligence
• Wounding effects of lethal and less-lethal weapons
• Crime scene preservation
• Act as liaisons between EMS/Fire units during tactical operations
• Offer initial Critical Incident Stress Debriefing if needed to SWAT team and others until other groups can be activated.

Official Uniform:

• O. D. green BDUs
• Black undershirt
• Ballistic vest
• Tactical medic cover vest
• Ballistic Helmet
• Eye protection
• Gas Mask

Medical Equipment:

Inner Perimeter Equipment:

• Tactical Vest with Advanced airway management
• Chest needle decompression
• Bag valve mask
• Burn sheet
• Trauma dressings
• Cervical spine immobilization device
• Tactical pack with drugs for advanced cardiac arrest support
• Fluid resuscitation
• IV equipment
• Trauma packs
• Eye injury
• BP cuff
• Stethoscope

Additional items if needed:

• Emergency childbirth kit
• Pediatric equipment as warranted

Outer Perimeter Equipment at the Command Post:

• Cardiac monitor with defibrillator and pacing capability
• Extra Advanced Airway management gear
• Extrication gear
• Triage Equipment

Additional Resources

International Tactical EMS Association

Rescue Training, Inc.

Tactical Element

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720