EMS/Fire Department medics have always been stationed nearby when CCSO’s SWAT team deploys. Now, however, ten medics have received tactical training and specialized equipment that will allow them to respond more swiftly and approach closer to the actual scene in the event one or more people are injured.
SWAT responds to calls including barricaded subjects, hostage situations, warrant arrests and incidents involving heavily-armed criminals. It is dangerous work that puts team members at an increased risk of injury. Studies show that a delay in treatment can cost lives. That’s why it’s critical to put patients in the hands of medics as quickly as possible.
Participating medics completed 40 hours of training that included instruction in several areas including combat casualty care guidelines, tactical triage and SWAT terminology. They were also issued safety equipment like protective vests and helmets. In addition, the medics participate in SWAT’s twice-monthly training sessions.
“The addition of these tactical medics to our team enhances everyone’s chances for survival during a critical incident,” said SWAT Sgt. Daren Larson. “In addition, the partnership between these two first-responding agencies ensures that we will be working together in the most effective way possible should we ever face a large-scale emergency situation.”
EMS/Fire Battalion Chief Christian DiBiasi said medics were selected for the program through a competitive testing process that included a physical agility test, a written test, and an oral interview. In addition to the 40-hour SWAT tactics course for medics, each team member completed a 52-hour course in tactical emergency medical support.
“This program is an example of how our two agencies have worked together in adapting to meet the evolving threats and challenges of today’s world,” DiBiasi said. Deploying tactical medics with the Sheriff’s SWAT team gives us the ability to bring good medicine to bad places.”
Tactical medics from Collier County EMS/Fire Department train regularly with CCSO's SWAT team. The new tactical medic program helps to make emergency situations safer. Photo Courtesy Lt. Daren Larson
