Getting into tactical medicine

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Preachamedic

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Was wondering if anyone could provide me with any ideas on how to get involved with tactical medicine. Anyone have any experience, or advice? Thanks for your responses!
 
The military is the best way.

Some LE SWAT Teams train an officer to an EMT/AEMT level or have the luxury of having a LEO that's a paramedic and they can train in TCCC. Other areas have a dedicated TEMS team. Generally TEMS is going to be second to being a regular field medic. Our Team where I work all work a regular 4day/12hour or 3day/16hour shift then respond to call-outs either when they're on-call but off duty or respond to them while they're on duty, it's not a dedicated thing like once you're on the team that's all you do.

To get on a team you're going to have to put time in at an agency, it's not something that you can get hired on then try out and get a spot unless you've got a real impressive resume and lots of experience.
 
in this order:
1) become a cop
2) work for an agency that is affiliated with a TEMS team. work as a street medic for years, being an excellent provider and follower of all the departmental rules and regulations, and then apply for a spot on the team once someone else steps down and they open up the application process for new team members
 
1- join the military
2- get into special forces
3- get sent on medical courses
4- practice actual tactical medicine
 
Understand that there are very, very few opportunities. One of the engine companies where I live is the designated TEMS house for the whole city (450k). They have an unmarked sprinter van converted into a basic ambulance. They wear body armor and helmets while standing at the boundary of the warm/cold zone. The operation goes down and they leave. I have a hard time calling this tactical medicine, as do they.

If a cop was to get shot during an operation, the team would bring them out to the TEMS guys and care would proceed from there.

We used to supplied armed tactical medics to the SWAT team where I work (1 medic of the five on shift was trained) but that program was disbanded due to a lack of use and struggles with them being armed but not POST certified.
 
If an agency has TEMS they will train you in it if you are chosen. I know there are some cities in the country where the police/sheriffs are required to be both medics and police. Maybe look into an organization like that. There's places that offer TEMS courses, but it a waste of money. If you really want to to tacticle EMS , I would join the military. Perhaps become a army medic.
 
It is a great money making scheme however...I have a few buddies who have managed to start up "Academies" in their respective areas and they are killing it!!

Great return on investment for sure! (For the school, not the student) :)
 
Come to Austin, they are an integrated part of the SWAT team and are used year round. Takes a long time to get onto it and not easy.

With that being said, theres not a lot of actual medicine going on. Join the military.
 
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