Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS)
The TEMS Team is a joint effort between the Portage Fire Department and Portage Police Department. Six Portage firefighter-paramedics serve alongside 12 police officers, forming an 18-member team trained to operate in high-risk environments.
Bridging emergency medicine and law enforcement
Tactical medics integrate with law enforcement during rapidly evolving incidents. They are trained to assess threats, move through volatile environments and deliver advanced life support under pressure, including trauma management, airway control, IV therapy and emergency medication administration. Their presence improves safety for officers and civilians and helps reduce preventable casualties before hospital transport.
This team is another cooperative effort between the Fire Department and the Police Department. Portage Fire Department has 6 Paramedics assigned to the SWAT team that are trained as tactical medics to assist law enforcement in hazardous situations. The Police Department has 12 Police Officers assigned, making the team an 18-member team.
Tactical paramedics are an essential part of a SWAT team, providing advanced life support and rapid response to emergencies. They are trained to work with police in high-risk situations and can provide medical assistance quickly and efficiently.
Tactical paramedics have the skills and knowledge to assess a situation quickly, identify potential threats, and provide medical care in hostile environments. They also have the ability to provide advanced life support such as airway management, IV therapy, drug administration, and trauma management.
Having tactical paramedics on a SWAT team is beneficial for both the police officers and civilians involved in high-risk situations. With their specialized training, they can help reduce casualties by providing rapid response to emergencies and advanced life support when needed.