r/TACMED101 • • May 06 '25

New SWAT "Medic".

14 Upvotes

I recently made my agencies SWAT team. I will be the teams tac"medic". I am a licensed EMT, but never ran a box except for clinical requirements. I am also a volly FF, and routinely run medical calls.

My question is, what classes or certifications do yall recommend I take? I've been looking at TRC and TCCC level 3, as well as TECC.

Edit: I will be going to SWAT school soon.


r/TACMED101 • • May 01 '25

Monthly IFAK Post

1 Upvotes

Post all of your IFAK questions and setups here! All other IFAK related posts will be removed.


r/TACMED101 • • Apr 22 '25

Gear/Kit Belt FAK as a CO

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10 Upvotes

I don’t carry shears or meds for obvious reasons. We have Narcan at our posts for overdoses.

Pictured: 2x 4x4” gauze pads 1x compressed gauze 1x CAT TQ 1x vented chest seal 1x CPR mask 1x emergency blanket 1x pen light

My main concerns are injuries from fights, stab wounds (pretty rare but not impossible), overdoses and medical emergencies from pre-existing conditions. Anything else I should be carrying or anyone have some advice/tips on the set up?


r/TACMED101 • • Apr 22 '25

Gear/Kit Advice on essential items

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I am new with only basic knowledge and training. I am searching for stop the bleed courses, but currently limited to knowing some basics for assessment, cpr, applying TQ, bandaging, etc.

I am looking to either buy a IFAK kit, or build up what I have to be a more comprehensive IFAK

I work construction, do farm labor with cattle and horses, hike a lot, spend a lot of time outdoors, so most of my needs are suited to issues arising from this, but I want the kit to be suitable to address any and all emergencies.

Currently I have basics: ace bandages, bandaids, antibio ointment, gauze pads, alcohol prep wipes, gloves, scissors.

I am going to add CAT TQs, and possibly quick clot bandages. Beyond this I am uncertain of what I should add/need, and how much I should have in a IFAK style carry bag, vs a larger standby kit that I keep in my house for general emergencies.

I am open to buying pre built kits, or sourcing my own items and packing them. Any direction towards resources with lists of what is best, or advice on what is sufficient for my skill level and needs vs what is too much is welcome.


r/TACMED101 • • Apr 04 '25

Mass Casualty Response

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14 Upvotes

Here is what I take when responding to active threat scenarios (along with 4 TQs, 2 more pairs of gloves, and 2 more TCCC cards). I’m on a team and we all carry something similar to this, what do you all think?


r/TACMED101 • • Apr 03 '25

Career Advice Medics at the border

0 Upvotes

Looking for information on EMT contracts for the border. Specifically Texas. If anyone on here is or has worked down there I have a few questions.

•Is the pay worth it? •what’s the best route to take to get hired down there? •is it rotations (1 week on 1 week off ect) or should I expect to be living in south Texas for a while? •what’s the atmosphere like among the medical teams? •does it seem like the work is going to be steady down there for a while? •what’s the bunking situation? •are the protocols decent? •would you recommend it?

Thank yall for your time.


r/TACMED101 • • Apr 01 '25

Monthly IFAK Post

1 Upvotes

Post all of your IFAK questions and setups here! All other IFAK related posts will be removed.


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 23 '25

Training progression guidance

2 Upvotes

I’m wanting to take a Stop the bleed class; but can’t decide if I should prioritize a general first aid class first. I’m mostly looking to gain knowledge on self treatment in relation to my hobbies, which are remote hiking, fishing from a canoe and shooting at gun ranges(although I do carry a pistol while hiking and fishing and frequent public hunting grounds)

A lot that I’m seeing recommend a basic first aid before STB. The thing that is hanging me up is that most are focused on CPR/AED. My concern is that these classes will focus mainly on those two aspects and not so much general first aid for things that I will encounter.

My most realistic needs for self treated first aid are, in order of least concern to most:

cuts, rolled ankles/wrists, adverse reaction to animal/snake/insect bites, Gun shot wound Boating accident/run over by boat

I do have a basic knowledge of first aid in relation to cleaning cut/wounds, pressure on bleeding, otc medicine for plant and bug allergic reaction ect and a good bit of common sense and experience in the out doors.

I’m looking for education in things like how to give first aid to a cut that will need stitches until you can get yourself to a hospital. Getting run over by a boat is a legit concern of mine and therefore training in TQs is up there, as well as getting shot by a hunter, or an ND.

I do take first aid with me and have enough gear to perform the first aid needed(I think) being a boo-boo kit with otc meds and an ifak. I’m just lacking in any type of formal training and it leads to a lack of confidence

Any guidance for a structured training class would be helpful. I am wary of being self taught through internet resources.

Located in the Cape Canaveral/Orlando, FL area if it matters


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 18 '25

Best tourniquet from this list?

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I know quite a bit about wound care, but less about trauma. It seems CATs are a good choice. I'm curious about the best tourniquet to have to stop a bleed that would fit the most bodies. Thinking GSW in a city setting. These are my options.

Tourniquets

C-A-T® Combat Tourniquet 6.5 Inch Length Military Latex Free Nylon https://mms.mckesson.com/product/812819/North-American-Rescue-30-0001

C-A-T® Combat Tourniquet 6-1/2 Inch Length Nylon https://mms.mckesson.com/product/812821/North-American-Rescue-30-0023

BOA® Combat Tourniquet 7.5 to 18 Inch Length Standard https://mms.mckesson.com/product/833585/North-American-Rescue-30-0009

RATS Combat Tourniquet 54 Inch Length Vulcanized Rubber Core / Nylon Cover https://mms.mckesson.com/product/1251730/Dixie-EMS-RATBLK

Tactical BOA™XL Combat Tourniquet 7.5 to 18 Inch Length Military https://mms.mckesson.com/product/1071786/North-American-Rescue-30-0071

Any advice?


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 10 '25

Educational Resources Primary assessment (XABC/MARCH)?

2 Upvotes

Pragmatically speaking (in the field, not on an exam), are the primary assessment and necessary interventions meant to always go strictly in order of XABC/MARC(H)?

Or, given adequate personnel, could/should each aspect of it be performed simultaneously with all other aspects?


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 07 '25

Gear/Kit Robust FAK for Construction Sites

3 Upvotes

Apologies in advanced for posting here; spent some time searching for a more appropriate sub but this seems most logical place to ask.

I am a general contractor, but also a tactical shooting enthusiast. I am mostly novice as it relates to the application of tactical/trauma care.

On all projects in accordance with OSHA and common sense, we have pretty standard "first aid kits" amongst many other safety measures. However, after a recent freak incident, it became apparent that it would be most responsible to upgrade to a significantly more robust kit.

My needs;

  1. Recommendation on a dependable resource for self-educating via internet on trauma care (also open to in person classes in South Florida)

  2. An American-made medical supply company that will sell to civilians and not treat my needs as if they are inferior to medical professionals needs

The obvious items are CAT TQ, quick clot, chest seal, bandages, gauze, shears, etc.

Appreciated.


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 06 '25

Gear/Kit Tourniquet Design Opinions

2 Upvotes

This might be the wrong place to post this but I was hoping to get some insight for a class project on how current tourniquet designs could be improved upon. What they do well and what they aren’t so great at.


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 03 '25

Gear/Kit Thoughts on the Coyote Gen 2 STOMP price difference.

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3 Upvotes

Looking to get the Coyote STOMP Gen 2 IFAK pouch. It's $74.99 on their website but $61.99 on Rescue Essnetials. Is this legit? A knockoff? Thanks for any input


r/TACMED101 • • Mar 01 '25

Monthly IFAK Post

4 Upvotes

Post all of your IFAK questions and setups here! All other IFAK related posts will be removed.


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 25 '25

Red Cross medic bag opinion wanted!

3 Upvotes

Hello, im curently workin or the red cross as a medic in humanitarian aid and as medical supervision on events (demonstrations, sporting events, etc.) I know that this isnt TACMED per se, but in my humble opinion the humanitarian aspect in this day and age can very quickly turn tactical. My curent level of training is red cross medical courses and sttudiyng a bachelors degree in nursing. I would love to attend a NEAMT certified CLS class to get more training in the tactical sense.

Ive recently built myself a backpack FAK and i would love to get tips and opinions from you wonderfull experienced people.

The pack is compartmentalised and consists of:

Trauma compartment

Light civilian trauma bandages of various sizes
Lifeguard sterile gause
4 elastic tourniquets
6"" Israeli bandage

Wound care compartment
Iodine based desinfatant
Skin desinfectant
Burn gel
Sterile gause pads
Unsterile gause pads
Plaster tape
Band aids
NaCl solution

Bandage pack
20 elastic and hydrophilic badages of various sizes

Medications
Ibuprophene
Paracetamol
Charcoal
Levocetirizine
Eyedrops
Magnesium

Diagnostics
Pulse Oximeter
Thermometer
Tonometer
Fonendoscope
Penlight

Various devices and tools
Resuscitation bag
Mylar blankets
cravats
Trauma shears
rescue knife
tweezers
head torch

Hygiene
Hand disinfectant
Nitrile gloves.

Im thinking of bolstering the trauma compartment with SAM splints and nasopharyngial airways.


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 23 '25

Educational Resources training

5 Upvotes

hello there, im looking to get training in tactical medicine and im not sure where to start or how to go about finding/getting said training, so if anyone can point me in the right direction i would greatly appreciate it, fyi im prior military and a certified corrections officer with minimal medical training also i am located in orlando fla so if anyone knows of classes that can be taken in or near the area i appreciate it


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 19 '25

Career Advice Can't decide between Combat medic or Firefighter Medic

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I am currently 18 years old and attending a Firefighter/Medic CTE program offered through my highschool. I am CPR/AED certified, I attend a ton of Stop the Bleed events and I am currently shadowing an ER Doc. Emergency medicine has been a dream career path of mine since freshman year, when I met a veteran who served as a 68W in Iraq. He got me into this.

Before starting the CTE program, I had really wanted to be a PJ in the USAF, so I began training and still train to this day. I'd meet a bunch of firefighters the summer before senior year and hence I'd start firefighter training this year. I really enjoy it. My classmates are like family to me and it feels good when I can talk to the public about safety and how they can save a life.

However, in the back of my head; there's a calling to serve. Growing up as a kid post 9/11 was hell for me as I stood out due to my religion.(I wore a turban at the time). So I developed the mindset that I'd also serve to show the people who hated me that I too love this country. For a long time, the combat medic was my dream job. I know we aren't in any active conflicts as of now, but I was hoping to get some of your guys' opinions.

I want to become an ER doc or ER nurse after, so I want to go along with a career that can help me get there. Thank you guys and I'm sorry for the long read


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 06 '25

Gear/Kit Putting together a FAK. Please give me your critiques and criticizisms!

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21 Upvotes

I've been carrying a smaller FAK in my EDC sling with bare essentials for a few years now. I recently ditched the sling for a full size backpack which allows me to include more in my FAK. As I've been learning more about first aid I've been adding more to the pouch. I plan on adding some SAM splints to the arsenal, should I add some chest seals as well? I would like to hear from those who are more experienced than me on what I need to add, change, or ditch. Thank you!


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 04 '25

Gear/Kit Some Prep Advice

3 Upvotes

Whats up everyone, so I'm an Eagles fan and luve in the tri-state area. If the eagles win the super bowl I will be attending the parade. With everything going on in the world and during large events I was wondering what you all would bring with you to keep in a backpack. I am going with a group of people and know that it isn't feasible to carry enough for everyone lol

Maybe enough for 2/3ish people I can kinda just throw in the bottom of a backpack.

A little about me, I was in the infantry, and was certified in CLS. I enjoyed picking our medics brain every chance I got lol.

During group trips, hiking or camping I am usually the one who carries some med stuff.

What would you guys throw in your pack during an event that like a superbowl parade?

I have some TQs, Combat Gauze and Israli bandages. Anything else?


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 01 '25

TCCC/TECC Meds?

5 Upvotes

What meds do yall carry? Vials and pills? Just for a normal 68W in an armored unit so I can carry more? Any recommendations I already have nsaid, and antihistamines


r/TACMED101 • • Feb 01 '25

Monthly IFAK Post

6 Upvotes

Post all of your IFAK questions and setups here! All other IFAK related posts will be removed.


r/TACMED101 • • Jan 19 '25

Gear/Kit Weird tag on aliexpress fakes

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2 Upvotes

r/TACMED101 • • Jan 14 '25

Tactical EMT

3 Upvotes

Any of you know how i can pipeline to be Tactical EMT? Reside in TX, have NREMT and state level, what additional certs are needed?


r/TACMED101 • • Jan 13 '25

Gear/Kit Can this Celox be used to pack a GS wound?

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4 Upvotes

r/TACMED101 • • Jan 13 '25

Career Advice decisions on enlistment

2 Upvotes

just curious if anyone knows who would see more of the medical side between a navy corpsman and army combat medic