PULSE Magazine | May 2019 Issue

By Captain M. Clark

Tactical Medics Train Officers During TTPOA Conference

The Austin-Travis County Tactical Medics recently taught a class at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) conference. The TTPOA is the largest organization for SWAT officers in the state. Police officers from all across the country attend and take classes directly related to SWAT teams and tactical operations. The instructors are usually hand picked and are considered subject matter experts in their field.

ATCEMS Tactical is one of the first and most respected tactical medic programs in the nation and were invited to host an advanced tactical medical class this year, which is a great honor.

Topics included:

 Trauma pit crew: John Dunn - DPS Tactical medic  Emergency Crics: Captain T. Fuentes - ATCEMS Tactical  Medical threat assessment/ medical planning: Dr Pickett - Office Of The Medical Director City Of Austin-Travis County  Traumatic arrest / finger thoracotomy: Dr. Mark E. Escott - Office Of The Medical Director City Of Austin-Travis County  TacMedic team selection and process: Captain A. Capra ATCEMS Tactical  TacMedic team deployment, operations, & critical incident debrief: Captain M. Clark - ATCEMS Tactical The class was very well received and we were able to share, on a national stage, specifics about our team to those looking to start up or improve an existing TacMedic programs. Tactical medicine has come a long way over the years, but is still a relatively new concept. Everyone can agree that medicine in a tactical environment is crucial, but there are always many challenges in implementing a successful program. This class was meant to answer some of the questions others have and help them mitigate them for their system.

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