Tactical Paramedic Program
For many years the Canby Police Department has operated a specialized unit for
executing high-risk warrants, arrests of potentially violent or dangerous individuals,
and assisting Detectives with investigations or operations as needed. It is known as
the Tactical Entry Team, or TET. In the spring of 2004, members of this team worked
with Canby Fire to develop a tactical paramedic program that continues to this day.
Prior to having medics assigned to the team, TET members had limited first-aid gear,
no formal training on the treatment of gunshot or other “combat” type wounds, and
would have to call for EMS personnel to respond if an officer or suspect were injured.
In addition, suspects and other individuals at a location received no formal medical
evaluation after being detained which presented increased liability potential to the
Department and City of Canby.
The program began with one Captain/Paramedic from Canby Fire who had to not only
learn police procedures and tactics, but also develop comprehensive medical
procedures that insured the needs of all parties involved were not just met but
exceeded. Protocols were developed, inter-governmental agreements were signed,
and countless hours of training were attended. Over the next several years this
member worked tirelessly to develop a program that has grown to become one of the
best in the State of Oregon, and unique to the Portland metro area in its integration
of police and fire personnel.
Today that same Captain works in an administrative role, overseeing another
Captain/Paramedic and one Firefighter/Paramedic who are active “Operators” on the
team. Initial training for a Canby Tactical Paramedic consists of a “Basic SWAT”
school put on for one week each summer at Camp Rilea on the Oregon coast, a 40hour “Tactical Combat Causality Care” class that provides the same specialized
medical training as military medics receive, training and qualification on the AR-15
rifle and Glock 22 pistol, as well as comprehensive training on policies, procedures,
and documentation. In addition, medics attend monthly training sessions with the
TET team as well as other police training such as defensive tactics and less-lethal
munitions. All of this is on top of their duties and training with the Fire District.
Personnel selected for the team are expected to maintain the highest standards of
skill and integrity while delivering outstanding care regardless of whether they are
treating a police officer, civilian, or suspect.
What makes the Canby program truly unique is that our medics, in addition to
providing direct operational support, also provide training and pre-incident planning.
Tactical medics teach basic tactical medical training to all Canby Police Officers, as
well as ensure they are issued cutting edge medical equipment for the immediate
care of themselves or others. They also manage and maintain thousands of dollars
worth of advanced medical equipment received from a Federal grant, as well as
ensure that equipment is distributed and deployed appropriately.
Our medics are able to provide basic tactical medical training to all Canby Fire
members, as well as advanced training to our paramedics. We will also develop
integrated “Active threat” protocols and procedures for Canby Fire and City of Canby
Police. This ensures that police and fire personnel can operate seamlessly at even
the most extreme high-risk incidents, as well as normal day-to-day operations. These
integrated operations will ensure that if the unthinkable ever happens in Canby we
will be prepared to deliver the best possible care in the worst possible situation.
“Medics never stand taller than when they kneel to treat the wounded”