FCPD’s TAC Medic Unit: A Lifesaving Force in High-Risk Operations

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Fairfax County, VA – The Fairfax County Police Department’s Tactical (TAC) Medic Unit is a highly specialized team dedicated to providing critical medical support in some of the most dangerous and high-stakes situations.

Who We Are:

The TAC Medic Program has been active since the 1990s, however, it was not staffed by full-time medics until 2022.This unit falls under the Special Operations Division and is supervised by one sergeant. The unit is staffed by two full-time TAC medics and four supplemental TAC medics, ensuring that the unit is ready to respond to emergencies 24/7.

What We Do:

This unit provides primary support to SWAT, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), Dive team, and the Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU). In addition, they respond to all barricades, high-risk search warrants, EOD and Dive team callouts, and most CDU deployments. In 2024 alone, the TAC Medic Program has responded to over 130 calls for service.

Resources and Technologies:

These medics are not just any first responders; they are equipped with Advanced Life Support and Critical Care capabilities, including advanced cardiac monitoring, ventilators, ultrasound, and even whole blood transfusion—a rare capability among police medic programs in the United States.

Training:

Officers within this unit have served in the Helicopter Division as Flight Paramedics for at least four years and have obtained their Senior Medic designation. All TAC medics hold certifications as both Virginia and nationally registered paramedics and have completed additional training in Critical Care Medicine. 

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

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