Thread: Tactical Med

Who here has attended a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) course or the equivalent? I've been looking for this training for a few years and the opportunity finally presented itself. As both a LEO and EMS provider this is an area where both fields overlap, so I am really looking forward to it. Other than my attendance confirmation I haven't received any other correspondence yet from NYS (who is providing the training). Anyone have insight as to what to expect, what to pack, etc.? This training is aimed at providing EMS and other medical providers tactical insight and practical experience in simulated hostile environments. As such, I'm positive that duty weapons, armor, etc. will be highly DISCOURAGED. Other than that, I'm open to whatever thoughts anyone has the matter. Its only a two dayer so hopefully this middle age management type will survive. Wish me luck.

Jim, You'll do just fine. I did one in '93 and we continue training in-service. Here's what I recommend: Headlamp, knee pads, camelback, thigh or vest rig for essentials (i.e. tourniquet, shears, hemos, etc.). Big thing now is tourniquets are BACK in full force. New studies from "in theater" show we can leave the TQ on for up to 5 hours or so. Sensory Deprived Patient Assessment and Medicine Over the Barricade will likely be the focus. Quick assessment and get out. Also big focus on "clearing" the patient if it's an unknown. Combine a "pat down" for weapons w/ quick "initial patient assessment." You'll have a blast and probably blow everybody away. If you combine live fire w/ tacmed response, double your gloves.

Thanks for the reply. I'm going through my gear and although I doubled up on lights, I didn't think to grab a headlamp. Time to raid the SAR bag. I appreciate the tips and I'll let everyone know how it goes.
P.S. I know that TQ are back but NYS is still way behind on this. Not sure how far outside the NYS protocols the instructors will be willing/able to go. Guess we'll see.

An update: For those of you familar with military medicine they (C-TECC and SOMA) are taking TCCC and reworking it slightly for civilian EMS as TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care). The emphasis remains the same with tourniquets, chest seals, nasal airways, and needle chest decompression leading the way. Moving patients to the CCP is also examined and practiced. The stages are now viewed as Direct Threat Care, Indirect Threat Care, and Evac Care. The single biggest change is the philosophy of direct threat and/or care under fire. This is no longer strictly about combat or shooting incidents. A fire dept Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) could run into casualties or sustain injuries of their own. Their primary mission is still getting to the trapped attack guys and getting back out. Casualties don't change that factor. Self-aid/Buddy aid is aimed at keeping the maximum number of team members possible concentrating on completing the mission, whatever it may be. There are some other small differences but the switch from shooting to an "all-hazards" outlook is the major component.

I highly recommend this class for everyone. For those who have done T3C or similar it is a good refresher, and a different way of looking at things. For those who haven't this is hands down better in many ways than the old PHTLS/BTLS days (although mechanism of injury and what to suspect based on that is mostly missing) and a great way to bring battlefield medicine to our daily battle on the streets.