MEMS tactical training

PULASKI COUNTY, AR - Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, or MEMS, is most commonly known in Arkansas as an ambulance service, but they also put their own lives on the line.

One group of MEMS paramedics, called the Special Tactics and Response Team, responded to 16 dangerous police operations in January. Friday, they went through tactical training for situations like a hostage crisis.

"One of the reasons they go through all the training," said Sgt. Travis Cumming of the Little Rock SWAT Team, "is so that if we have people that are in need of medical attention and it's still a hot area that hasn't been cleared, we can bring them in."

That means being prepared for anything.

"The last thing we want to do with our law enforcement agencies," explained MEMS Capt. Clayton Goddard, "is them to say 'hey where's the medic' or worry about us because they've got to focus forward."

During Friday's training, the MEMS team practiced a forced entry situation where an officer goes down. They have to treat the injured officer on the spot, meaning bullets could be flying by while they administer medical care.

The MEMS Special Tactics and Response team does this type of tactics training about four times a year. They do other types of training, like medical and hazmat, throughout the year as well.

The team has 10 members, all sworn law enforcement officers.