| Integrating paramedics on special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams reduces an officer or civilian's risk of death by providing rapid medical care. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the tactical medicine models of Butler, Carmona, and Metzger. This study examined 36 New England SWAT teams to assess if trained tactical paramedics were beneficial to SWAT teams. This nonexperimental quantitative epidemiological research study assessed six research questions to determine if integration of medical support, operations, specialized training, personal protective equipment, and liability protections impacted those SWAT programs using a 22-question online survey. Data were analyzed using chi-square as a test of association and the t-test for differences between groups. Of the 31 law enforcement agencies with a medical support component included on SWAT teams, half of the teams used paramedics during active SWAT operations. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of tactical emergency medical support personnel on a tactical team, the frequency in tactical operations using TEMS, and tactical teams that use paramedics. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship with the police department, which managed the program and budgets of tactical medicine. Lastly, there was a statistically significant relationship between advanced medical personnel who regularly train with their tactical teams. Liability protections were provided for paramedics and only half the time to basic-level EMTs. The study suggested a need for collaborative training between police and paramedics with defined perimeter zones during deployments. Implications for positive social change include integrating medical expertise onto tactical operations, which can conceivably save the lives of police officers and the general public. |
