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TECC Guidelines

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care for civilian tactical law enforcement operations

TECC vs TCCC Key Differences

TECC adapts military TCCC principles for civilian tactical operations with enhanced capabilities and different operational constraints.

AspectTCCC (Military)TECC (Civilian)
EnvironmentPure combat/battlefieldCivilian tactical operations
DurationOften extended field careUsually shorter to definitive care
ResourcesLimited to combat loadEnhanced medical resources available
CoordinationMilitary medical systemCivilian EMS and hospital system
Pain ManagementLimited pain controlEnhanced pain management focus

TECC Core Principles

Fundamental guidelines adapted for civilian tactical medical operations.

Threat-Based Medicine

Medical care decisions based on current threat level and environment

Civilian Integration

Coordinate with civilian medical systems and law enforcement

Enhanced Care Capability

More resources and time available than pure combat environment

Multi-Agency Coordination

Integrate with fire, EMS, law enforcement, and hospital systems

Direct Threat Care (DTC)

Active threat present
Seconds to minutes

Medical care during active threat situation

Treatment Priorities

  • 1Neutralize the threat first
  • 2Move to safety/cover
  • 3Control life-threatening hemorrhage
  • 4Consider evacuation feasibility

Specific Interventions

  • Apply tourniquet for extremity hemorrhage if visible
  • Direct casualty to move to cover if able
  • Continue threat suppression activities
  • Communicate casualty status to team
  • Prepare for movement to indirect threat area

Equipment Available

Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)
Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)
Communication devices
Body armor and weapons

TECC Advantages

  • Adapted from military TCCC Care Under Fire
  • Emphasizes civilian law enforcement tactics
  • Considers civilian casualty presence
  • May involve multiple agencies coordination

TECC Phase Progression

Transition between phases based on threat assessment and tactical situation

1
Direct Threat Care (DTC)
Seconds to minutes • Active threat present
2
Indirect Threat Care (ITC)
Minutes to hours • Threat suppressed but present
3
Evacuation Care (EC)
Transport duration • Secure evacuation

Implementation Considerations

Multi-Agency Coordination:

TECC requires coordination between law enforcement, fire/EMS, and hospital systems. Establish unified command and clear communication protocols.

Equipment Standardization:

Ensure all tactical personnel have appropriate medical training and equipment. Consider enhanced IFAK contents for TECC operations.

Training Integration:

Train law enforcement, tactical medics, and EMS personnel together. Focus on seamless transitions between threat levels.

Civilian Considerations:

Account for civilian casualties, media presence, and community relations. Consider psychological support for all affected parties.

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