The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County/City Paramedics have created a new unit that will enable paramedics to better care for those involved in high-risk emergency situations.
Called the Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TACMED) unit, the specially trained four-member paramedic team will be able to provide on-the-spot care to police, victims, or others affected by a high-risk event.
The unit will not be armed, but will be equipped with all the same protective equipment that tactical law enforcement officers have. To avoid confusion with police, all TACMED unit members will be clearly identified with a “Paramedic” marker on their protective equipment.
“This program builds on the tremendous relationship between the Peterborough County/City Paramedics and the Peterborough Police Service,” says police chief Scott Gilbert. “In these dangerous situations, every moment makes a difference.”
“Having a specially trained and equipped team of medics standing alongside police officers will help ensure fast and appropriate medical care for first responders and everyone else at the scene.”
Members of the new TACMED unit have been selected from within the Peterborough County/City Paramedics based on a variety of factors, including written, practical, physical, and psychological testing.
“Peterborough County/City Paramedics is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome in emergency situations,” says Chris Barry, deputy chief of Peterborough County/City Paramedics. “The TACMED unit is an excellent way to provide our paramedics with the training they need to work together with law enforcement and provide immediate care in high-risk emergencies.”
