Tactical first aid, often associated with the acronym TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care), represents a set of skills and practices essential to emergency management in contexts where threats are active or environments are hostile. This type of first aid is useful not only for healthcare professionals on missions, but also for law enforcement officers, the military, and even some civilians in the event of terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

1. What is Tactical Combat Casualty Care?

Tactical Combat Casualty Care, or TCCC, is an approach to medical care that adapts the principles of TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) to the needs of civilians and security forces in non-military environments. This method takes into account the continuous presence of threats and the need to provide medical care while maintaining the safety of the responder and the victim.

2. TECC fundamentals

TECC is structured around three main phases that guide responders through the tactical rescue process:
  1. Hot Zone phase
During this phase, the main objective is to neutralize the threat and secure the scene. Medical interventions are limited to life-saving actions, such as stopping major bleeding with tourniquets or direct compression.
  2. Indirect threat phase (Warm Zone)
Once the immediate threat has been managed, rescuers can begin to provide more comprehensive care. This includes rapid assessment and stabilization of the airway, breathing and circulation, and prevention of hypothermia.
  3. Evacuation phase (Cold Zone)
In this final phase, the focus is on triage, transporting victims to medical facilities and providing extended care if necessary.
To find out more about these three main phases, please read this article.

3.Key tactical first aid skills

Airway and breathing management
The ability to manage the airway and breathing under pressure is essential. The use of devices such as nasopharyngeal cannulas or oxygen masks can be crucial in maintaining respiratory function until more advanced care is possible.

Hemorrhage control
Rapid control of bleeding is probably the most critical aspect of TECC. Effective use of tourniquets, hemostatic dressings and direct compression can mean the difference between life and death.

Hypothermia prevention and management
In emergency situations, even in warm environments, victims can quickly develop hypothermia due to exposure or blood loss. The use of thermal blankets and proactive management of the thermal environment are necessary skills.

Communication and coordination
Communication skills are vital to ensure effective coordination between all those involved in the field. This includes the ability to use tactical radios, know medical and tactical jargon, and maintain calm under pressure.

4. Training and certification

TECC training is essential for those who are likely to find themselves in situations where tactical first aid is required. This training covers not only basic medical skills, but also the tactical aspects of safety, the handling of potential weapons, and strategies for entering and exiting danger zones.
SAHCO Consulting offers TECC training. To find out more, click here.

5. Practical cases and case studies

Case studies and feedback are another important facet of TECC training. Understanding past mistakes and successes can help improve intervention strategies and prepare rescuers to respond effectively.

Things to remember

Tactical first aid is a valuable and sometimes vital skill that requires specialized training, good psychological preparation, and the ability to operate effectively under pressure. With the right knowledge and skills, TECC-equipped responders can save lives in circumstances where traditional medical care would otherwise be inaccessible. Ongoing training and adaptation to new threats are essential to remain effective in this dynamic and often unpredictable field.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.