Tactical Medicine Essentials is a comprehensive introductory tactical medicine course, appropriate for a wide range of professionals. Written by an experienced team of authors from diverse backgrounds, the text offers a solid foundation in tactical medicine principles.

The course is designed for EMS, fire service, law enforcement, and medical professionals at all levels of training.  The topics cover the essential curriculum of tactical medicine, including unique medical techniques, expedient improvisation, and many facts about the tactical environment. The material makes recommendations and demonstrates equipment and techniques that can be utilized by those who have been appropriately trained and certified.

Emphasis is placed upon abolishing threats first and foremost, threat recognition, safety, and then proceeding with evaluation and treatment.  Injuries and illness are reviewed including gunshot and knife wounds, explosive blast injuries, crush injuries, blunt trauma, biochemical terrorism, preventive medicine, and common emergencies in a resource-limited hazardous tactical environment.  Relevant threats and unique medical adaptations are discussed with the goal of providing knowledge and awareness of how to stay safe and keep the tactical medicine provider and the team out of harm’s way.