Tactical Emergency Medical Support Programs: A Comprehensive Statewide Survey

Abstract

Approximately one-third of county-based EMS systems in North Carolina have TEMS programs. These programs serve almost two-thirds of the state's population base, using primarily nonsworn tactical medics. Comparison with other regions of the country will be useful to demonstrate differences in prevalence and program characteristics. Serial surveillance will help track trends and measure the growth and impact of this growing subspecialty field.

Comparison of Video, Optical, and Direct Laryngoscopy by Experienced Tactical Paramedics

“…As tactical emergency medical support programs continue to develop, it will be imperative to determine which tools fit the unique needs of high-risk military and law enforcement teams. 4 Members of these teams may encounter active shooters, low-light situations, and other imperfect conditions (such as auditory distractions and prone intubating positions). In addition, given the risk of exposure of the intubator during 442 Downloaded by [NUS National University of Singapore] at 05:51 11 October 2015 intubation, care must be taken to maintain as much concealment as possible.…”