As a Combat Life Saver (CLS), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and CPR/First Aid trained person, I know that providing medical care in a tactical environment can be challenging. Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) is a set of guidelines that teaches EMS practitioners and other prehospital providers how to respond to and care for patients in a civilian tactical environment.
I took my son (15) to Active Bystander: Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training course at XCAL. I want him to start understanding how to help in the best way possible during utter chaos.
The Active Bystander is a high-level overview of the 16-hour TECC course and an excellent introductory class. This would be a basic course for people who have undergone CPR/First Aid, CLS, or TCCC. However, as this is an introduction, it has value. After this course, I would attend the Advanced course and CPR/First Aid with AED.
“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.”
― Stephen King, Different Seasons
Key Takeaways
“SCAB-E” exam
- S = Situation
- C = Circulation
- A = Airway
- B = Breathing
- E = Everything Else
4 R’s
- Recognize the threat and get through the arc to the decisive moment
- Respond according to your emergency plans
- Rescue the injured and initiate care
- Report what you know and where you are
RUN and/or HIDE and/or FIGHT
Understanding Tactical Emergency Casualty Care
Civilian operational medical care framework for medical response during high threat events. Based on tactical Combat Casualty Care but adapted to civilian data, language, protocols, population, and civilian operational constraints. Developed and maintained by the 501 3(c) Committee for TECC (www.C-TECC.org)
TECC Phases
- Direct Threat Care: Emphasis on mitigating the threat, moving the wounded to cover an area of relative safety, and managing massive hemorrhage utilizing tourniquets. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the importance of various rescue and patient movement techniques and rapid positional airway management if operationally feasible. Treatment and operational requirements are the same for all levels of providers during this phase of care.
- Indirect Threat Care: Initiated once the casualty is in an of relative safety, such as one with a proper cover or one that has been cleared but not secured where there is less chance of rescuers being injured or patients sustaining additional injuries. Assessment and treatment priorities in this phase focus on the preventable causes of death as defined by military medical evidence: Major Hemorrhage, Airway, Breathing/Respirations, Circulation, Head & Hypothermia, and Everything Else (MARCHE). Four different levels of providers were assigned to the scope of practice and skill sets based on the level of training and certification.
- Evacuation Care: An effort is being made to move the casualty toward a definitive treatment facility. Most additional interventions during this phase of care are similar to those performed during normal EMS operations. However, significant emphasis is placed on reassessment of interventions and hypothermia management.
Case Studies
TECC has been used in many real-world scenarios with impressive results. For example, during the Boston Marathon bombing 2013, TECC helped emergency responders save lives. The principles of TECC were applied in the field, and the injured were quickly transported to hospitals where they received further care. TECC helped ensure the wounded received the best care possible in a high-threat environment.
Another example of the practical application of TECC is during active shooter situations. Emergency responders must quickly assess the situation and care for the injured while ensuring safety. The principles of TECC can help responders prioritize care and provide the best possible care in a high-threat environment.
Overall, the future of TECC looks bright. With continued innovation and research, we can ensure first responders have the tools and knowledge to save lives in even the most dangerous situations.
