Special operations

Special operations reflect unique, non-traditional EMS response environments creating unique challenges for both responders and medical directors. Fellows have multiple opportunities to participate in diverse aspects of operational medicine, including hazardous materials, confined space, water, and ice rescue, and high angle rescues. Rochester Fire Department serves as one of the state Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) assets, and works closely with state and federal agencies, including the 55th Civil Support Team, Army National Guard. The fellow also attends state MN-TF1 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) trainings and helps teach the medical specialist cadre.

One unique element of high-threat EMS response is Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS). Multiple fellowship faculty members are actively engaged in TEMS both as tactical medics and as medical directors, both in southeast Minnesota and Arizona. The fellow has opportunities to participate in both the tactical and the medical aspects of training with these teams, including force-on-force drills. The fellow also participates in Rescue Task Force training and teaches new law enforcement officers Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) skills as part of their on-boarding academy.

Additionally, the EMS fellow has an opportunity to engage with EM residents and teach TEMS and patient triage skills at the annual EM Residency Paintball Wellness Retreat each spring, while also participating in fun paintball war with the residents and faculty members.

Military medicine

The fellowship works closely with the Mayo Clinic Center for Military Medicine, whose goal is being a trusted and effective health care research collaborator of the Department of Defense (DOD) and related governmental agencies. To meet this goal, the Military Medicine Program team creates and delivers unique, advanced medical education to military and government agency teams, deploying a vast array of modeling and simulation tools. The Mayo Clinic Military Medicine Program offers continuing medical education courses for contracted government entities and the special operations community. These courses are designed for forces involved in various types of missions ranging from combat and counterterrorism operations to hostage rescue and humanitarian aid. Collaboration with this Center provides the fellow with exposure to military medicine, and in particular, the opportunity to both learn from and teach active duty military medics and clinicians in advanced critical care and prolonged field care.