August 01, 2024 05:52 PM •
Tactical medical equipment is an interesting and evolving topic area, with SWAT medics having as many opinions as there are vendors and products. | Get a downloadable list for reference when putting together your own tactical medical kit by filling out the form on this page.
There are the minimalists out there and then there are the, “you never know, I better have everything” types. The general consensus is that the medic needs to have enough equipment and supplies to stabilize a critically injured patient in a tactical environment. This equipment should be on their person, or carried in a medical pack, or both. Besides the medical equipment, the tactical medic is already carrying about 25-50 pounds of other gear. Most of the weight is in body armor /ballistic plates and helmet. Other non-medical equipment might include weapons, ammo, incapacitating agents, knife, multi-tool, collapsible baton, radio/headset, lighting systems (including infrared), gas mask, eye protection and a hydration system. Less commonly carried or worn items might include binoculars, camera, computer tablet, body-cooling system and night vision goggles. The operational environment will also dictate additional equipment needs, such as cold weather or a hazardous materials event like a meth lab. Not all of these tools are carried by each tactical medic. Some of the equipment is reserved for training and standby events such as team selection tryouts, swim tests, physical training days or range days. Some might be kept available in the medic vehicle. Tactical teams can have an ambulance that is overt (it looks like an ambulance) or covert (a long-bed, covered pick-up truck).
Clinical tool essentials
