Tactical Medicine - Law Enforcement Support

Tactical medicine is a relatively new subspecialty in EMS. A medical care provider is placed with or close to law enforcement personnel during high-risk operations. Tactical medicine is rapid, on-site medical care to injured team members, bystanders, or suspects, consisting of treatment until they can be transported to definitive medical care or until the operation is complete. Similar to medical corpsmen in the armed forces, tactical medics give medical care in forward areas where conventional EMS, lacking the necessary training and equipment, cannot or should not venture.

The medical care thus provided can reduce the incidence of injury and death while increasing the morale of tactical officers. Tactical medics must be proficient in pre-hospital medical skills, know law enforcement tactics, movement, and weapons effects; be able to gain access to and communicate with EMS providers and hospital personnel; and be prepared and equipped to participate in tactical operations.

Our Mission

The Harris County ESD-1 Tactical Medical Unit is dedicated to facilitating the success and the safety of high-risk and sustained law enforcement operations. Tactical medical teams support law enforcement commanders by providing on-scene consultation, deliver immediate access to emergency medical care, and provide logistical support promoting the performance and safety of agency personnel. Specially trained HCESD-1 Tactical Paramedics achieve this mission by operating under medically directed protocols. Operational Medical support also provides a necessary interface between law enforcement personnel and the EMS community during hostile or sustained operations.

Our Goals

Reduce the incidence of injury, illness, disability and death and their associated personal and economic losses.

Reduce the Department’s exposure to liability by implementing medical management protocols that prepare for reasonably foreseeable injuries and illnesses that characterize law enforcement operations and training

Compliment EMS operations by providing inner perimeter medical support during high risk or large-scale law enforcement operations.

Serve as liaisons between Police and local EMS and hospital providers.

Assist federal, regional, and local law enforcement agencies with operational medical support assistance during their high-risk or extended operations.

ICE Commendation - Tactical Medicine 7/2/08

ICE Commendation - Tactical Medicine 4/23/08