EMS Tactical Team and Patient Safety

Issues of Concern

The level of risk faced during special weapons and tactics (SWAT) or combat scenarios makes premission planning vital to mission success. Tactical EMS practitioners must create a more detailed plan for each situation and scenario to maximize safety. Premission planning and medical threat assessment can include operational planning, reconnaissance missions, medical intelligence, team education, and training. The degree of premission planning depends on mission frequency and preparation time. For example, a standing tactical EMS plan can be developed when team training occurs regularly at the same location. Modifications to the premission plan would only occur when different hazards may be encountered. 

Planning should take into account the duration and exposure to the elements. The temperature and potential duration of exposure can guide the team in preparing appropriate clothing and resuscitation equipment. If the mission duration is expected to be longer than 24 hours, the tactical medic should prepare a sleep cycling schedule and doses of chronic medication for all participating personnel.

Tactical EMS practitioners must quickly assess scene safety and institute safety measures to mitigate possible hazards. Tactical EMS works collaboratively with other public safety agencies, such as the police and fire department, to address hazards and ensure that the appropriate resources are readily available. Scene security is a top priority. Tactical EMS providers must rapidly assess the scene and determine if ancillary services and support should be activated to protect team members and patients.

The care provided depends on the risks and hazards present at the scene. In high-risk scenarios, with imminent danger or a confirmed active shooting, the care provided should be adjusted to account for the threat level. Each team member should carry minimal medical gear and be well-versed in its use. Tourniquets are life-saving and should be carried by all providers, regardless of their involvement in a mission. Immediate access to life-saving equipment is key. Tourniquets, needle decompression, or other equipment in a team member kit may have to be used before a tactical EMS provider can assess the victim or individual. There is often a limited window for intervention.

Wearing the proper protective equipment for the environment is the first step. Though scene safety is one of the mantras of EMS, the tactical situation makes it more challenging. Proper protective gear includes tactical and medical gear—the chaotic prehospital environment increases the risk of blood-borne exposure and injury. The risk can be mitigated by wearing the proper combat protective gear for the threat (eg, body armor) and assessing whether environmental factors require additional equipment such as gas masks, face masks, or specialized protective clothing. Team compliance with proper safety equipment is a major responsibility of the tactical EMS provider. Premission planning should include consideration of the appropriate gear needed and understanding the scene to maximize the chance of a successful mission.

EMS practitioners utilize specialized equipment for assessing, evaluating, and transporting patients. Ensuring that the correct equipment is used, in proper working order, and prepared for deployment is the responsibility of the EMS leader. It is important to remember that the tactical environment may require specialized equipment since an ambulance and lighting may be unavailable. Given the need for all equipment to be carried by the team, weight and mobility restrictions can limit what is immediately available on the scene. Equipment should be lightweight, rugged, and easy to use regardless of dexterity and ambient temperature. Every team member should be trained sufficiently on safely using all EMS and police equipment. A critical skill for the emergency medicine provider is the knowledge and skill to put all possible weapons in the safe, which the team uses in case the gun needs to be removed from the team member at the time of treatment.[4][5][6]

Clinical Significance

EMS practitioners are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition, determining the immediate interventions necessary, and determining the need and ability for scene extraction for further medical care. Before proceeding, the EMS provider may obtain additional equipment, personnel, or resources at their discretion.

The mental and physical demands of the tactical EMS practitioner require that they are at their best each day. Maintaining a level of excellence in the workplace depends on the degree of wellness outside the work environment. Avoiding practitioner fatigue is important to ensure that each one can make the best decisions consistently and safely. The steps, premission planning, and preparation will help ensure the safest environment for all team members and patients.[7][8][9]