SWAT Paramedic Team

Flagler County Fire Rescue provides firefighter/paramedics to serve as SWAT medics. To join the team, candidates must successfully pass physical, written, and oral assessments. The physical evaluation not only tests an applicant's physical strength but also their resilience and determination.

The primary responsibility of a SWAT medic is to provide life-saving medical care to SWAT operators in the field, particularly in high-risk environments known as HOT-zones. Typical calls for service include high-risk narcotics search warrants, barricaded subjects, hostage rescues, and active shooter situations, among others. Team members train approximately 300 hours per year, covering realistic medical and trauma scenarios, law enforcement strategies and tactics, weapons manipulation across multiple platforms, and vehicle operations.

Each year, the team participates in specialized training at Camp Blanding, alongside elite military units such as Special Operations and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). SWAT medics undergo numerous courses, including Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC), which focuses on providing medical care under austere conditions and teaches life-saving techniques for K-9 partners.

In addition to treating injured officers, SWAT medics are often the first responders to care for injured suspects and civilians. The role requires an extensive skill set and continuous training that goes beyond typical Fire/Rescue responsibilities. All team members are on-call and must be prepared for immediate deployment 24/7.