Tactical Medic Program
The James City County Fire Department currently has three emergency medical technicians (EMT) cross-trained as "tactical medics." These medics attended the "CONTOMS" program sponsored by Federal law Enforcement agencies -- "CONTOMS" stands for "Counter Narcotics Tactical Operations Medical Support." This training is designed for EMTs participating as members of law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams in a support role for the delivery of emergency medical treatment.
The medic is trained and exposed to:
- Care under fire
- Hostage survival
- Medicine across the barricade
- Medical aspects of extended operations
- Wound ballistics, weapons, and their effects
- Clinical forensic medicine and evidence preservation
- Toxic hazards--identification, risks, and management
The tactical medic serves as an advisor to the Police Department SWAT Commander. The recommendations of the tactical medic are directed at enhancing team performance. Their role is especially intended to reduce death and injury to all parties, includng police officers, innocent victims and perpetrators.
In James City County, the Tactical Medic Program is under the Fire Prevention Division. The Lead Tactical Medic is the Fire Marshal and is a law enforcement officer. The additional two tactical medics are assigned to a station and the Fire Marshal's Office.
The tactical medic provides the following skills to SWAT operations:
- Assesses, plans, and provides for preventive medical care in sustained operations.
- Recognizes and treats unique wounds resulting from deliberate interpersonal aggression.
- Medical skills appropriate to hostile environments.
- Accesses and analyzes medical intelligence and executes a "Medical Threat Assessment"
For more information call the Fire Prevention Division: 220-0626.
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