Tactical Emergency Medical Support: Physician Involvement and Injury Patterns in Tactical Teams

Abstract

Medical support provided by physicians in police tactical teams has been firmly embraced by the medical community. Our study revisited the 1995 study inquiring into injury patterns in police tactical teams. A national survey was completed by 209 members of tactical teams throughout the country over a 6-week period. An electronic survey was submitted to the National Tactical Officers Association, the International Tactical Emergency Medical Support Association, and state tactical associations. Teams reporting physician utilization were 47% of the whole (69% were present ≤ 6 years and 65% were Emergency Physicians. Law enforcement certification was indicated in 64%. Most teams (83%) were involved in training exercises. Physician benefit was reported in 94%. Most injuries were low acuity, occurring during training. Fatalities were low, mostly occurring during call-outs. The study findings support physician presence within police tactical teams and a need for extensive involvement in all aspects of team health, with special attention to daily health and physical fitness.