Junior Resident

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RAMS Roadmaps Headers-2-Junior Resident

 

PGY1

As an emergency medicine (EM) intern, you should review the institution's educational program to identify opportunities in the realm of tactical medicine and learn whether the department has tactical physicians within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, or if particular physicians in your program have tactical responsibilities. Such individuals can serve as mentors. In addition, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has a Tactical Emergency Medicine (TEM) Section that can provide opportunities for involvement.

PGY2

As a junior resident, you should have already identified a mentor and be seeking out additional opportunities to pursue your interest in TEM.

Identify a Mentor

Identify a mentor in your program who may have a working relationship with law enforcement, serves as a medical director local, state, or federal law enforcement, or who works with faculty members to obtain certifications in TEM or research projects. If your program doesn't have faculty involved in TEM, you can join the ACEP TEM Section and seek mentors from exports in TEM for guidance.

Courses and Certifications

Several courses are offered for certification in tactical medicine, including:

  • Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC): this course is offered by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). It was created by the U.S. Department of Defense Committee to teach medical and traumatic care under fire. There are two types of courses offered, a one-day course for individuals who will be exposed to a combat zone, and a two-day course offered to military medical personnel.
  • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC): this course is designed similarly to the TCCC course but is developed for civilians.
  • Tactical Emergency Medicine Support (TEMS): this course is intended for practicing physicians, as well as leaders in medical support for tactical operations. It provides lectures and scenario-based training that prepares attendants to develop medical models and policies related to medical support of tactical operations, as well as skills for supporting high-risk law enforcement operations.
  • Rescue Task Force: this course provides training at the point of injury during an active shooter scenario, and is designed for law enforcement and EMS.
  • FEMA Courses: there are a variety of courses available through FEMA's Emergency Management Institute covering tactical medicine and more.