CLARKSVILLE — EMS technicians with Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District were the first of four districts to receive body armor for use in active aggressor responses. The four sets of armor were provided by Clinton County Emergency Management Agency after completing Rescue Task Force (RTF) training.
“An RTF is a team of law enforcement and EMS who enter a stabilized scene to provide immediate triage and care of wounded during an active aggressor event,” said EMA Director Thomas Breckel. “Real-world instances where casualties have been transported and arrived for treatment at an emergency room have a 96% survival rate, so the urgency in getting to those in need of help is critical.”
CWJFD Chief Bob Wysong said, “Training and exercising is key to providing for the safety of our Emergency Medical Service members who are responsible for initial treatment, triage, and transport to a hospital. If we can’t get to them soon enough, the chances of survival for injured victims can deteriorate rapidly. CWJFD was happy to work with EMA to set up the first RTF training exercise, and we look forward to more opportunities to train and prepare our responders for situations like this.”
CWJFD is the first of four districts to complete the exercise and receive the armor.
“We were able to exercise law enforcement specific elements, with combined operations with EMS members, as well as integrating Unified Command elements for fire and law enforcement Incident Commanders,” said Lt. Michael Kassinos with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. “EMA has reached out to the second of four districts to begin planning the next iteration with our Deputies,” said Lt. Michael Kassinos with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
While funding for EMS body armor is not covered under traditional grants available to EMA, it was made possible during a March 2021 EMA Executive Committee decision to make investments where possible in the county response enterprise. Seven separate efforts are underway and should be delivered shortly.
For more information, contact EMA at 937-382-6673.
