Load Distribution

[nsmedicman]

We are developing a tactical paramedic team. We are just wondering about the best method of load distribution for our personal gear. Fortunately, we will be always operating at the most, a couple of hundred metres from our command post (and our spare gear), and will have a civilian EMS unit staged outside the perimeter. We will be carrying enough kit for a rapid stabilization and evacuation. We are looking at utilizing a load bearing vest, with a butt pack, and possibly a type of thigh trauma pack. We will also have a medic pack at the CP, should the "excrement strike the rotary cooling device". Looking for ideas on load distribution to optimize space, and reduce fatigue, from the folks who wear it on a regular basis.

 

[Farmboy]

Will you be armed at all? If not.....

http://www.oneshottactical.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=oneshot&Product_Code=CR-A1608&Category_Code=

http://www.oneshottactical.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=oneshot&Product_Code=CR-ETMV&Category_Code=CR-Eagle

You should also look at MOLLE vests and then pick pouches that would work for you.

ex. The TAG nalgene pouch holds a starter kit perfectly.

 

[nsmedicman]

Sorry....forgot to mention that....we will be unarmed....but carrying a holster to secure a sidearm if need be. We will be trained in basic weapons safety....JIC one of our guys goes down....

 

[Farmboy]

A dump pouch might work better for you than a holster.  It would allow you to stash the firearm as well as anything else to needs to be picked up and held onto.

Talk to Chris at CTOMS, he could give you a hand in anything you require as well.

 

[JANES]

Ok, you need to clarify some things first.

what are you talking about when you say 'personal gear'?  Your medical kit?

If you're hangin out by the CP you're useless.  You're not a tactical paramedic.  You may as well be sitting in your amb - co-located behind the perimter - where the "CP" is.  If someone goes down, you are no where near the the element and you have no means to get to them.  Maybe if you have a baby sitter to take you to the cas, but then you're entering into an unkown enviroenment.

Unless you are throwing a lot of resources at a call, you're manpower is going to be limited.  Typical Tac team is 6 guys.  A "CP" probably wont even exist.  It will consist of the Tac Tem Leader in the back of the stack, with patrol on the perimeter.  You need to be co-located with the element, best to be in the back of the stack, or shadowing the stack.  Otherwise you're useless.  I think you seriously need to square your tactics away at the same time as sorting your gear out, and by the sounds of it you have some work to do to field an effective resource.

Can you define 'enough kit for a rapid stabilization'?  both the kit and what a rapid stabilization is? 

Butt Packs are useless - you cant get at them, and you cant rely on anybody to get gear out of one for you either.  Your med pack should be left at the door, not at the CP, unless its not a building.  A vest is reasonable.  Leg rigs are good.  You shouldnt need much more than that.

Why dont you start with a list of what you're carrying first and then ask whats the best way to carry it, or is that what you are asking, what is the best kit to carry and where?

 

[The_Falcon]

Fire off an email to Toronto EMS, they have tactical paramedic teams that routinely train with the Toronto Police Service ETF.  They have had them for a while now, so they might be able to help you out.

 

[MommyMedic]

I did my EMT practicum with Edmonton EMS and recall talking to some of their Tactical paramedics who went out with the police as needed. That was in 2002, and I don't think they were new then. One of their guys preceptored one of the CF EMT students, and he also taught on the first TCCC course that Edmonton ran. Given their involvement with the 1 CMBG TCCC, they'd likely have a lot of info to share from both perspectives. Incidentally which side of the street is this for?

 

[JANES]

A dump pouch might work better for you than a holster.  It would allow you to stash the firearm as well as anything else to needs to be picked up and held onto.

+1 on the dump pouch.  Outstanding peice of gear for stashing everything including small weapons.  Then the Paramedic doesnt look like they are 'carrying' and are less likely to be mistaken for an officer.  You can throw casualties personal effects that you remove in there - anything.