Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Program
In 2014 the Menlo Park Fire District officially joined the San Mateo County TEMS team. This regional team is comprised of and supported by select county fire agencies and AMR. This public/private partnership serves as a critical component in law enforcement operations primarily in San Mateo County but also occasionally through out the bay area. The TEMS team’s primary roll and objective is to provide immediate ALS care to our law enforcement partners in the tactical “SWAT” setting. Our Tactical Medics undergo specialized training starting with a two-week (80 hour) course through ISTM. This training coupled with monthly SWAT team trainings allows TEMS operators to safely provide “point of wound care” in the event that a SWAT (LE) operator is injured.
The TEMS team works closely with four SWAT teams in the county; including San Mateo County Sheriffs SWAT, North Central Regional SWAT, Daly City SWAT, and Redwood City SWAT. When requested, the TEMS team has also conducted operations with CHP, FBI, DEA, US Marshalls, and the Secret Service. In addition to “Call Outs” for warrant service (planned) and (unplanned) barricaded subjects, hostage situations, civil unrest, & active shooter incidents TEMS operators also participate in monthly trainings with the SWAT teams where we provide first aid training to the SWAT officers. 
As a result of the TEMS team’s partnership with so many law enforcement agencies, the San Mateo County TEMS team is activated regularly. The team participates in 30 to 50 “call outs” annually with a large percentage of those occurring within the fire district. Currently Menlo Park Fire has four members that are TEMS operators with the goal of eventually increasing that number to six.
For more information about Menlo Park’s Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Program please go to: