Tactical EMT

[EddieO]

Anyone know anything about the tactical EMT designation? I was thinking about trying for it but cant seem to find any good info. Is it even worth going for if your not involved with a police dept? Im currently an EMT-B and wouldnt mind expanding my horizons.
Thanks

[Sandles2Sidearm]

Where I live one of the Fire Medics does double duty with the city's SWAT Team.

As for it being a waste of time, if your agency does not have an agreement with a tactical team, you will not likely be able to get into one of these classes unsponsored. I would wait to get on the job with an organization that would give you a ticket for the class.

You would be better off, assuming you have the aspirations, taking an ACLS, BTLS, PALS class. Perhaps a technical rescue course.


Just take classes that are going to help you achieve your goal!!!

[JimSpoor]

Just to expand on what Reid said:

One of the best in the country is CONTOMS. This was a federal class that you had to be sponsored for. They have been fighting for funding lately and may soon become a thing of the past.:(

There are also perhaps a dozen schools around the country running tactical medic classes. These vary greatly in the quality of instruction.

A ongoing debate in the EMT-T community is what is the best combination. Cops cross trained as medics? Medics trained to operate safely in a tactical environment?

The training includes very rapid assessment and minimal intervention of ABCs only. You will also find pt. assessment taking place in sensory deprived situations, ie. No light, unable to touch pt. etc.

There really is no standard accredidation. Many tactical teams prefer to either send existing members to EMT and/or paramedic school. if they do bring in outside medics, most operators would prefer to train them in-house so they do things the same way as the rest of the team. Overall, great training, good fun, won't help career-wise.

Good Luck.

[Sandles2Sidearm]

I feel that the best EMT-T's would be police officers. The tactical nature of the duty would take priority over the actual treatment. There are numerous incidents that would necessitate tactical knowledge, but very few that would require extensive in theater treatment.

I would be willing to argue that an EMT-B could provide much of the required treatment, but advanced airways might be needed.

I have found in our area that the EMT-P's on the various Tac teams are L/E first, and Medics second. Rapid assesment, immediate care and rapid extrication are the basic fundamentals of EMT-T as I understand them. There is not a huge need for guys who have extensive ACLS experience, knowing the front-line drugs would be important but not crucial in the whole scope of things.

my opinion, I welcome others.

[JimSpoor]

You are right on the money as far as assessment, rapid transfer out of "hot" zone etc. Even when I worked career ALS we usually preached BLS in the house, ALS in the truck. Of course, there are exceptions. (cardiac arrest, extended extrication, etc.)

That being said iI still like to see tactical medics be EMT-P qualified (MD may even be better). The reason I say this is besides the obvious higher knowledge and skill base. Team medics often evolve beyond traditional EMS roles. They end up being closer to independent duty medics or corpsmen in the military. The overall well being of the team is their outlook. They worry about nutrition, rest periods, proper hydration, protection from the environment, (heat/cold venomous wildlife) etc. Although MCIs, and multi-traumas, are fortunately rare in the tactical environment, making sure your team is drinking enough happens on almost all extended call outs. Because of these addtional duties I feel that tactical teams get more bang for the buck with paramedic team members.

All of the above not withstanding, a EMT-B (or above) trained member on the entry team is certainly something to strive for. It seems almost mandatory when considering the skills base for a tatical team.

Stay safe.

[medstar 37]

If you are interested in taking a tact-med course, HSS International has an offering. It is usually in Southern California. And fairlly inexpensive.