Specialty Teams

Technical rescue is the use of specialized tools and skills to resolve complex or unique rescue situations. It is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple rescue disciplines, including:

• Confined space rescue
• Rope rescue
• Trench rescue
• Structural collapse rescue
• Ice rescue
• Swift water rescue

Traditional rescue doctrine has focused on extricating patients as quickly as possible from their situation so that they can receive treatment. Our group believes in the value of rapid patient access and treatment in order to mitigate early, preventable deaths.  To accomplish this, it is necessary to develop a cadre of specialized paramedic-rescuers who are able to operate safely in austere environments and provide prolonged care in the field. These clinicians should work closely with qualified EMS physicians and train regularly as part of a well-resourced technical rescue program.

Tactical medicine is the use of emergency medical support to preserve the safety and health of military and law enforcement special operations (e.g., SWAT) personnel and others at the scene of high-threat deployments where usual EMS and Fire personnel cannot safely respond.

Tactical medical providers must be trained to function effectively under high-stress, rapidly evolving, and austere conditions, and must be well versed in team tactics, weapons safety, and law enforcement operations  to avoid compromising the operators in their team.

UW physicians provide medical oversight for Madison Fire Department’s Tactical EMS program, which supports Madison Police Department SWAT, as well as the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team.

One of the important roles of EMS physicians is to help prepare and direct the healthcare response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) and other hazardous materials threats. As these types of incidents are likely to require large amounts of resources, we encourage and participate in combined trainings with regional specialty teams, such as Madison Fire Department’s Hazardous Incident Team and the Wisconsin National Guard’s 54th Civil Support Team.

UW EMS physicians have completed unique FEMA-sponsored trainings across the United States to maintain our qualification and preparedness. These include:

• Healthcare Leadership for Mass Casualty Incidents (Anniston, AL)
• Emergency Medical Operations for CBRNE (Anniston, AL)
• Pandemic Planning and Preparedness (Anniston, AL)
• Technical Emergency Response Training (Anniston, AL)
• Response to Bombing Incidents (Socorro, NM)

Dignitaries, or individuals with high rank or office, often need to travel to campaign or carry out their duties. Because of their stature, these trips are meticulously planned in advance and include contingencies for medical emergencies. Depending on the type of event, location, and resources available, this may include plans for treatment, evacuation, transport destination guidance, and securing healthcare facilities.

EMS physicians are an excellent resource for dignitary protection details, as they have a unique and unparalleled understanding of regional prehospital and hospital resources, operations, and limitations. Additionally, they are able to provide the highest level of clinical care in the field.

UW EMS physicians have experience working with the US Secret Service and local first responder agencies to protect high value individuals.