EMS Small Unit Tactics

All EMS training programs (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, etc.) are focused on preparing the individual practitioner to provide high-quality pre-hospital care. This program builds upon those clinical and academic foundations by introducing the concept of EMS Small Unit Tactics (EMS-SUT). The program is extremely challenging and specifically designed to increase the effectiveness of small EMS teams to manage, control and direct patient care in a highly coordinated, effective, and dynamic manner.

As with any Group Espada program, EMS-SUT is not for the meek or hobbyist. This is a challenging program that incorporates tactical mindset, immediate action drills, operator psychology, scene management, situational stressors and much more to allow two-to-six person teams to operate as an effective force multiplier in the pre-hospital setting.

The objectives of this program are as follows:

To assure that small EMS Units (2-to-6-person squad) can work together effectively but not compromising patient care of safety.

Provide students with algorithms and protocols which can be employed to address technical obstacles which may negatively affect patient care:

Coordinated BLS

Coordinated Rapid Assessment for MOI/NOI Scenarios

Coordinated Patient Evacuation-to-Transportation

Provide students with the ability to identify and employ effective communication models.

Orient students to effective coaching and Just-In-Time leadership protocols.

Instill the ability for students to identify pertinent negatives related to small unit tactics that may impact patient care.

Student will be able to effectively determine time-on-scene goals and manage to those goals effectively based on prescribed protocols.

Students will become familiar with and be able to employ Immediate Action Drills to help develop muscle memory skills.

Student will become familiar with the Critical versus Tactical Response Mindset and Rational Response Theory

Attendees of this program will be challenged mentally and physically. The goal of the program is to ultimately prepare graduates to effectively participate in or lead an EMS Small Unit.

Syllabus: EMS Small Unit Tactics

EMS Small Unit Tactics is a 16-hour training program that is conducted at a mutually agreed upon location. All CEU candidates must pass both a written and psychomotor skills exam before awarding of CEU and certificate of completion. Students must complete the entire 16-hour training program without exception in order to take the final written and skills exam.

Requirements: Students must have the following certifications:

EMR, EMT-B, AEMT, Paramedic

AHA BLS

Attendees must be able to lift 35lbs to hip level.

Attendees must be able to run 50 yards while encumbered with standard EMS equipment.

Attendees must not have any physical limitations or concerns with heights, dark or confined spaces.

Course Format: This is a lecture and hands-on program.

CEU: 12 (8 Academic + 4 Skills)

Instructor: John Gomez, is the Founder and Chief Instructor for Group Espada. John has over 10 years of experience instructing advanced tactical training programs which incorporate tactical psychology, tactical dynamics in small team settings and tactical leadership. John is also the creator of the Tactical Response Mindset thesis and Rational Response Theory

Course Fee: $1950 (Max 6 Students)

Module I: Small Unit Tactics Orientation

This module begins with an introduction to the individual components required to be an effective team member in an EMS scenario. The student is then introduced to key aspects of EMS small unit objectives and goals as well as understanding the key psychological and emotional dynamics of small unit tactics.

Module Objectives

Identify Individual Personas Related to Supporting Small EMS Units

Introduce Rational Response Theory

Differentiate Between Critical & Tactical Response Mindset

Identify Common Pitfalls Related to Ineffective EMS Small Unit Tactics

Module II: Effective Small Unit Tactics

In this module the student(s) will be exposed to content which builds upon the prior module. This includes academic material that helps to shape the formation of an effective small unit in an EMS scenario, considers the impact of ad-hoc processes and begins to create a team focused foundation for subsequent modules.

Module Objectives

Introduction to Immediate Action Drills

Introduction to SUT Protocols

Introduction to Team Roles and Dynamics

Team Management & Servant Leadership

Effective Coaching & Coordination

Module III: Employing SUT IAD & Protocols

This module combines academic and hands-on drills to continue evolving the student’s ability to effectively participate in and lead an EMS Small Unit. The module integrates gentle stressors to help build stress inoculation and help support the immediate identification of pertinent negatives that could impact the team’s or patient’s safety and care.

Module Objectives

Introduction to Goal Oriented Time Management Principles

Effective Evacuation Planning

Coordinating Provider Care Levels

Coordinated Rapid Assessment for MOI/NOI

Module Drills

Rapid Assessment IAD

BLS IAD

Scene Management Protocol

Module IV: Application of SUT

This module is designed to build muscle memory of EMS SUT. The module includes elements designed to help small units actively recover from bad decisions as well as dynamically address changes in patient status or environmental factors.

Module Objectives

Pertinent Negative Recovery

Post SUT Debriefing and Lessons Learned

Establishing Management and Quality Objectives

Module Drills

Trauma IAD

Multiple Patient SUT

Environmental Compromise Drill

SUT Compromise Drill

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