The Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Medic Unit was established in October 2000 to enhance the safety and protection of the city’s citizens, employees, and visitors. This elite unit consists of eight highly trained fire rescue paramedics embedded with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department SWAT team, ready to respond to every SWAT incident.

SWAT medics are specifically equipped and trained to deliver emergency medical care in high-risk, tactical environments—situations where traditional medical responders cannot safely operate. By bridging this gap, the unit ensures rapid, life-saving care for civilians, police officers, and suspects alike, even in areas inaccessible to standard paramedics.

Key objectives of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue SWAT Medic Unit include:

• Rapid Medical Response: Deliver emergency medical care within the tactical arena in as little as ninety seconds, when conditions allow.
• Personalized Care: Address the unique medical needs of SWAT officers, supporting their health and readiness.
• Mission Support: Assist with extrication and manage medical emergencies, enabling SWAT officers to focus on their primary objectives.
• Interdepartmental Partnership: Foster a strong, professional relationship between police and fire-rescue departments.
• Safety Enhancement: Reduce the risk of death, injury, and illness among SWAT officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders.
• Community Confidence: Project a positive image for both the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments.
• Peace of Mind: Provide SWAT officers and their families with reassurance that expert medical support is always present during training and operations.

Through these efforts, the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue SWAT Medic Unit stands as a vital asset, ensuring safety and swift care in even the most challenging situations.