A tactical medic is a trained health care professional who provides supportive medical care to law enforcement and military personnel while they are on the move. Tactical medicine is a rapidly evolving field that benefits from military research and development, as well as ongoing research conducted law enforcement agencies. In just the twentieth century, field treatment has progressed from very limited treatment that provided little more than analgesia to portable intensive care units for critically injured soldiers.
Tactical medics, like other health care professionals, are given training that allows them to provide appropriate care in medical emergencies. A medic may be able to provide first aid, administer medications, provide life support, and perform minor surgical procedures depending on his or her level of training. This training is provided a medical education agency or organization that has been accredited.
A tactical medic receives training in working under fire, dealing with hostage situations, providing medical treatment in adverse conditions, and managing stress while in the field, in addition to medical training. Specialized training in ballistics injuries and other common field wounds is also available, as well as advanced training in situations such as the aftermath of a bombing. A tactical medic must also be knowledgeable about the various types of toxins that may be encountered, which can range from tanker spills to intentionally released toxic agents.
While a tactical medic’s primary focus is on providing supportive care for her or his team and keeping conditions as safe as possible, they also provide assistance to bystanders. In the military, enemy wounded are also cared for according to protocol, with medics working to stabilize enemy members who are unable to be retrieved their own medical teams. Similarly, law enforcement medics assist injured suspects with medical treatment. Tactical medics are also trained in forensics and evidence handling so that they can collect evidence in accordance with evidentiary procedure while providing treatment and avoid contaminating crime scenes.
Before working in the field, tactical medical personnel must be certified as tactical medics. In areas where special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams, military units, and police departments are not available, they may form partnerships with them. A tactical medic, like other members of law enforcement and the military, must be prepared to deal with a wide range of situations on the job, from meth labs to human bombs.