T ACTICAL EMS: A N E MERGING O PPORTUNITY IN G RADUATE M EDICAL E DUCATION

Abstract

Objectives: Modification of traditional emergency medical services (EMS) principles and procedures for use in the tactical law enforcement setting is emerging as a subspecialty of emergency medicine. Few opportunities exist to train physicians in the principles of tactical medicine, and no studies demonstrate the effectiveness of physician-level training in tactical EMS. Methods: A standardized eight-hour CONTOMS (Counter Terrorism Operations Medical Support) Physician Awareness course was presented to a group of emergency physicians. The physicians completed an anonymous survey before and after the course, and again four months later. A five-point Likert scale (0-4) was utilized to measure knowledge and comfort levels among six areas specific to tactical EMS. Changes were measured from precourse scores. Results: Of 39 eligible physicans, 38 completed surveys before and 35 completed surveys after the course, while 16 returned four-month follow-up surveys. Mean scores rose in all areas specific to tactical EMS (p < 0.0005 compared with pretest scores). Mean scores for each topic were: Conclusions: The COMTOMS Physician Awareness course is effective in increasing physicians' knowledge and comfort levels in areas related to tactical EMS. Knowledge retention at four months is very good.

• tactical emergency medical services
• emergency medical services
• graduate medical education
• education
• CONTOMS course.