The SWAT-Medic Team was established in September 1997 to provide tactical medical support to the Virginia Beach Police Department's Special Weapon's and Tactics Team.
EMS department paramedics with a minimum of 3 years experience passed a rigorous screening and physical agility test to be selected. After attending the Police Academy, Basic SWAT school, and Contoms training, the SWAT-Medics went into service.
The SWAT-Medics train 16 hours each month with the SWAT Team and must maintain a high degree of physical readiness to pass the bi-annual physical agility test.
SWAT-Medics are called out on every SWAT mission and operate as part of the SWAT Entry team. They are called out on approximately 100 missions each year.
Examples of Mission Types:
- High Risk Search Warrants
- Hostage Rescue Situations
- Barricaded Suspects
- Sniper Situations
- Armed Fugitive Suspect Arrests
- Civil Disturbances