Is Advanced Medical Training Really Necessary?

Welcome to this week's On the Circuit.

We're tackling a crucial topic: advanced medical skills in executive protection. Are you ready to be both protector and first responder? We explore the critical role of medical readiness in our evolving industry, challenging you to rethink your approach to client safety.

We also ask Kris Zerkowitz “Is there a middle ground between embedding a paramedic and upskilling team members?” Join us as we chat with Kris about the role of tactical medics in protection teams.

From the benefits of advanced training to the risks of falling behind, we cover all angles. Plus, don't miss our Industry News roundup to stay ahead of the curve.

Let's dive in and elevate our protection game!

Is Advanced Medical Training Really Necessary?

Let's face it: in the protection industry, standing still means falling behind. Your ability to adapt isn’t merely desirable; it will ultimately determine how far you go in this line of work.

As professionals, we must constantly reinvent ourselves to meet our client's evolving needs and tackle the challenges of our environment.

Today, we're focusing on a critical aspect of our profession that's only increasing in importance: medical readiness.

The Changing Landscape of Security and Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our understanding of health risks and emergency response. With shortages in EMS personnel and longer wait times for emergency services, the line between security professionals and first responders is blurring. This shift underscores the need for enhanced medical training within our sector.

The Reality of Medical Emergencies

If you’re reading this newsletter, there’s a better-than-average chance that you’ll have medical training to a more advanced level. Whether that’s First Response Emergency Care (FREC), Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) or Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), the reality is that routine medical issues are a far more common concern for protectors.

As Krisztian Zerkowitz, a seasoned tactical paramedic, points out in his Tactical Medicine column in Issue 67:

However, this doesn't mean we should underestimate the importance of these skills. In fact, mastering the basics is crucial for effective response in any medical situation.

The Power of Comprehensive Medical Knowledge

To really excel in our roles, we need to expand our medical knowledge beyond trauma care. This includes:

1. Understanding common medical conditions

2. Recognizing signs and symptoms of various ailments

3. Familiarity with prescription medications and their effects

4. Ability to perform basic health assessments

As Michael Guirguis, MD, points out in the fascinating article he contributed to Issue 65:

Integrating Medical and Operational Plans

One of the challenges we face is seamlessly integrating medical care into our operational plans. This requires a delicate balance of respect for client privacy and the need for crucial health information. Developing a comprehensive yet discreet medical assessment protocol is vital to this integration.

• Establish a secure system for storing and accessing client medical information that complies with data protection regulations.

• Develop standardized procedures for regular health check-ins and updates with clients. Incorporating into routine security briefings where appropriate.

• Create a network of vetted medical professionals in frequently visited locations. Utilize their expertise to extend your medical support during travel.

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The Benefits of Advanced Medical Training

You’ve probably heard that investing in advanced medical training offers numerous benefits, but what are they?

1. Enhanced Client Safety: With advanced medical skills, you're better equipped to handle a wider range of medical emergencies, enabling you to intervene where others could not.

2. Increased Value to Clients: Protection teams with qualified advanced medical personnel are increasingly sought after. Having these qualifications can set you apart in a competitive market.

3. Improved Income Generation: Higher-level medical qualifications put you in greater demand, reducing time spent out of work and increasing your earning potential.

4. Reduced Liability: If you can administer immediate and appropriate medical care, you can reduce the legal risk arising from accusations of inadequate medical cover.

5. Expanded Service Offerings: With advanced medical skills, you can offer more comprehensive protection packages, potentially opening up new business opportunities.

The Risks of Inadequate Medical Training

Conversely, paying lip service to advanced medical training can leave you exposed:

1. Inability to Respond Effectively: Without proper training, you could put your client's life at risk.

2. Loss of Client Trust: If a medical situation arises and you cannot respond confidently, your client may shop elsewhere for their protection needs.

3. Missed Warning Signs: Advanced training helps you spot medical indicators that might go unnoticed until they become more severe.

4. Overreliance on External Medical Services: In situations where an immediate response is necessary, relying on public ambulances and private doctors could lead to dangerous delays in treatment.

5. Legal and Financial Risks: Inadequate response to a medical emergency due to lack of training could lead to legal action and financial liabilities for the individual and the service provider.

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The Economic Case for Medical Training

Beyond the obvious benefits to client safety, there's a strong economic argument for higher levels of medical training. As highlighted in this article in Security Magazine, medical emergencies can lead to significant financial losses for businesses. By having security personnel trained to respond effectively to medical situations, we can potentially save our clients millions in lost productivity and emergency response costs.

On a personal note, you’ll be in a safer position when cuts are being made on the team, and theoretically, you should be able to bill at a higher daily rate.

Advancing Your Medical Skills

More protectors are choosing to go beyond the minimum requirements and are investing in further training. A two-minute scroll through LinkedIn will provide countless examples of industry peers striving to differentiate themselves by developing skills in niche areas.

Advanced medical training pathways offer comprehensive curricula designed to extend your existing medical capabilities. These courses cover everything from routine medical issues to complex trauma scenarios, ensuring you're prepared for any situation that may arise.

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Ronin SA - Setting the Standard

While many options are available across the industry, one provider has become recognized globally as the leading provider of reality-based, hands-on training. That option is, of course, the Ronin (South Africa) CP Medic Course.

Undoubtedly, Ronin provides the highest-quality training tailored to the unique needs of executive protection professionals. This course and others like it can significantly enhance your ability to provide comprehensive protection services.

Circuit Editors Jon and Shaun have both experienced the quality of the training firsthand.

The Future of Executive Protection

As we look to the future, it's clear that the most effective executive protection professionals will be those who can seamlessly blend security expertise with advanced medical skills. By investing in comprehensive medical training, we enhance our value to clients and contribute to raising the standards of our industry as a whole.

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🇧🇴 Arrest warrant issued for former President Evo Morales after he failed to testify on an investigation into him regarding human trafficking and rape.

🇵🇸 Pro-Palestinian Hackers Claim DDoS Attack on Internet Archive, “Wayback Machine.” The group plans to carry out further attacks.

🇮🇷 Iran warned that it would respond if Gulf Arab countries allow the United States to use their airspace or military bases against Iran.

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The Tactical Medic - Where Do They Fit into the Close Protection Team

Is there a middle ground between embedding a Paramedic on the team and upskilling team members with basic lifesaving skills? Should everyone have tactical medicine in their back pocket or is this something so specialized that you don't want to distract from other team members ’ main roles?

In this episode, we explore the role of the embedded tactical medic and how they fit into the overall care provision picture.

We’re joined by Kris Zerkowitz, Director and trainer at Amarante Academie and big proponent of the tactical medic.

We’re asking:

• Why do we need tactical medics, why not just directly embed a highly trained paramedic on the team?

• Should all team members have tactical medical skills? Or would this dilute their primary purpose and CP roles?

• How important is physical fitness in distinguishing tactical medics from paramedics?

• What does the right skill set look like and where can you attain it?

Tune in to the episode for more insights into the purpose of tactical medicine. As Kris puts it…

What is the most effective strategy for landing top CP jobs?

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Apply to as many jobs as possible online. (16%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Tailor CV for each specific job application. (33%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Meeting recruiters face-to-face. (17%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Gain additional certifications or training. (44%)