As part of a commitment to ensure that Clinton police officers have the training, resources and equipment necessary to respond effectively during critical incidents, all sworn personnel participated in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care – or TECC – training last Tuesday and Thursday at Sampson Community College.
TECC training is recognized nationwide.
The goal of the training for the Clinton Police Department was to provide officers with essential lifesaving skills that will enable them to provide immediate medical care to injured officers and civilians until Emergency Medical Services can take over. Half of Clinton’s police officers attended the training Tuesday; the other half of the department attended Thursday.
“It’s really great for us to get this training because I think this is the first time my guys have had any formal training like this,” Lt. James Jones said during the Tuesday class.
Dr. Andres Fleury was in charge of training members of the police department. Fleury is a surgeon at Sampson Regional Medical Center.
Fleury explained that he helped coordinate and plan with Sampson Regional Medical Center to gather “together to get what we call IFAKs, or Individual First Aid Kits.”
All Clinton police officers will now carry those first aid kits in their patrol cars.
He taught the officers about mass casualty management and how to stop bleeding when they encounter injuries while out in the field. The officers also learned skills regarding wound packing, chest seal placement and interventions designed to prevent shock and hypothermia.
“Those guys – in their line of duty – they see that often,” Fleury said regarding injuries.
During the training, Fleury challenged the officers to apply emergency care to themselves.
“The question is, ‘Have they had enough training to do it on themselves?’” Fleury said.
The police officers then proceeded to apply tourniquets to themselves.
Fleury emphasized that these trainings can “help save lives.”
He said he hopes to do these types of trainings on a recurring basis.
“Hopefully, we’ll continue throughout the year,” Fleury said.
“This ongoing investment in advanced medical training reflects the Clinton Police Department’s unwavering commitment to officer safety and public service,” Chief of Police Adrian Mathews emphasized in a press release last Tuesday.
“Through strong community partnerships and continuous professional development, the department continues to strengthen its emergency response capabilities, improve outcomes during critical incidents, and enhance the safety and well-being of the community it serves,” Mathews stated.
Mathews added that Clinton police officers will complete annual refresher training, ensuring that they will remain prepared to deliver timely, effective and potentially lifesaving care whenever situations arise.