City of Carlsbad SWAT medics are firefighter/paramedics on special assignment working alongside the City of Carlsbad Police Department SWAT team. SWAT medics are also deployed with Carlsbad police officers in support of other law enforcement units such as the San Diego Sheriff’s SWAT team and the regional law enforcement task force. SWAT Medics attend all SWAT training events allowing them to maintain familiarity with all firearms and devices deployed by SWAT officers, as well as providing standby medical support. 

SWAT medics have been specifically selected, tactically trained and equipped with the same uniform and protective equipment as SWAT police officers.  As advanced life support medical personnel, SWAT medics carry specialized packs of basic and advanced life support tools and supplies, giving them the ability to provide immediate medical care in a hazardous environment.  As full-time firefighter/paramedics, SWAT medics also bring to the scene all firefighting, rescue, forcible entry and hazardous materials response expertise and skills.

At least two SWAT medics are deployed to each SWAT mission.  Along with providing medical care during critical law enforcement incidents, the medics are also integrated into the local EMS system allowing them to provide and coordinate continuous medical care to an officer, victim or suspect from the site of the injury to the hospital.

SWAT medical personnel may participate in both mission planning and risk assessment. They may be assigned as fire/EMS liaison officers to the police incident commander.  They may also provide mission briefing information regarding identifiable medical hazards, local EMS, air ambulance and specialized hospital facilities.  SWAT medics participate in post-incident debriefings and submit written reports when necessary.