Police and Fire partner to enhance patient care and save lives during critical incidents

Lethbridge Police and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services have partnered as part of a new initiative that will help save lives during high-risk incidents where every second counts.

The addition of Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) will see seven advanced care paramedics, with specialized training and equipment, embedded with the Lethbridge Police Tactical Team to provide immediate medical care to injured civilians or officers at the scene of high-risk incidents, such as hostage-takings or active assailant scenarios.

Prior to the implementation of TEMS, regular paramedics would be staged blocks or even further away from the location of an incident, resulting in delayed response times. Now, with the implementation of TEMS, paramedics will be right on scene.

“We have seen an increase in Tactical Team deployments over the past few years and an increase in high-risk incidents involving weapons and violence,” said Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. “As a result, we have a responsibility to address the increased risk of harm to members of public and our first responders.”

The TEMS initiative was proposed by Sgt. Denton Michelson, who oversees the LPS Critical Incident Unit, and firefighter Peter Griffiths. Seven members of LFES were subsequently selected for TEMS following a day-long testing process conducted by the LPS Tactical Team.  Further training included specialized skills and equipment and a 40-hour Tactical Combat Casualty course with Tac members. As part of the training, paramedics were exposed to simulated high-risk scenarios to help prepare them for calls involving weapons and violence. Ongoing training with the Tactical Team will take place multiple times each year.

The TEMS concept originated with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in 1971 and has since expanded to agencies throughout North America. Lethbridge joins several other police agencies in Alberta who have TEMS programs.

“Our goal is to provide the community the best care possible, no matter the situation,” said Chief Greg Adair, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services. “With the TEMS team ready to go we’re enhancing our ability to respond to patients in critical incidents where every second could mean the difference between life and death.”

The initiative is also recognized for the value it brings to emergency patient care.

Effective immediately, when the LPS Tactical Team is deployed, TEMS paramedics will join them on high-risk calls where there is potential for injury to the public, police or subject.

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