Development of a National Consensus for Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Training Programs--Operators and...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Law Enforcement Training

Background:

• Tactical teams face high injury risks, requiring specialized field medical care beyond civilian emergency medical services (EMS).
• Current training objectives and competencies for Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) lack standardization.
• This gap necessitates a defined set of medical competencies for effective tactical casualty care.

Framework:

• A modified Delphi technique was employed, involving an expert panel from key government agencies and law enforcement.
• The panel reviewed and updated existing TEMS competencies through two face-to-face meetings.
• This process aimed to establish a consensus-based framework for tactical medical provider training.

Implementation:

• Seventeen original competency domains were revised, incorporating new areas like Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) and Mass Casualty Triage.
• Specific learning objectives, both enabling and terminal, were developed for each updated competency domain.
• The updated framework provides a structured approach to TEMS education and skill development.

Implications:

• The developed competencies and learning objectives establish a minimum standard for tactical medical providers and operators.
• This standardization is crucial for enhancing team interoperability and ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
• Improved provider knowledge and skills will ultimately enhance the health and safety of tactical teams and the communities they serve.