What is Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)?
Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) provides a structured approach to trauma care under high-stress, high-risk conditions, specifically in civilian environments where medical personnel and bystanders may encounter active shooter incidents, natural disasters, or other high-threat situations. Developed as a civilian counterpart to the military’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), TECC focuses on rapid, life-saving interventions while taking into account both medical priorities and situational risks.
TECC training emphasizes the need for bystanders and responders to address critical injuries, such as severe bleeding, airway obstruction, and shock, before emergency medical services arrive. For example, TECC-trained individuals are equipped to apply tourniquets, control hemorrhages, and perform basic airway management, which can significantly reduce fatalities. This training is essential in high-risk environments like shooting ranges, where accidents involving severe injuries could require immediate intervention.
Structured into three main phases—Direct Threat Care, Indirect Threat Care, and Evacuation Care—TECC protocols help responders manage different levels of threat. Direct Threat Care emphasizes basic, quick actions while minimizing exposure to danger. Indirect Threat Care involves more advanced interventions once a safe position has been established. Evacuation Care ensures casualties are prepared for safe and efficient transport to advanced medical facilities.
TECC training is valuable not only for medical personnel but also for firearms trainers, range safety officers, and civilians who may face critical situations. By following TECC protocols, individuals can provide effective emergency care, ensuring that life-threatening injuries are addressed while awaiting professional medical help.
