FOR PROFESSIONALS, BY PROFESSIONALS!
Welcome to the
European Journal of Tactical Response & Medicine
Whats Inside?
The European Journal of Tactical Response & Medicine wants to improve understanding of potential threat scenarios and share the expertise required to effectively counter these risks.
Therefore, our mission is to provide well-founded insights into a wide range of specialist topics, including:
- tactical concepts
- tactical medicine
- tactical equipment
- tactical vehicles
- psychology
- human performance
- disaster medicine
- background knowledge on international terrorism and organized crime
- reports and features
Our journal is intended for all first responders operating on the front lines, whether in law enforcement, the military, or the civilian sector.
Stab Wound Care: Always Assume the Worst
by Dr. David Haf and Dr. Jan Braeunig (Germany)
Penetrating injuries are reported to have a worldwide prevalence of 15 %. However, such wounds often result in life-threatening acute injuries. Law enforcement officers and healthcare professionals rarely encounter such injuries. Therefore, they must learn how to treat them, especially when tactical decisions are involved.
Penthrox in TCCC
by Special Operation Forces (Italy)
The Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines aim to improve the survival rate of wounded combatants. Pain management is a crucial component of TCCC. This article explores the potential for Special Operations Forces (SOFs) to use Penthrox as a TCCC analgesic, particularly in environments where substances such as ketamine and fentanyl are unavailable due to local legislation or logistical constraints.
IEDs and CBRN Weapons: An Update on Threats
by Andy Oppenheimer (United Kingdom)
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are among the most widely used weapons in war zones and terrorist attacks. They can take many forms, ranging from pipe, parcel and letter bombs to various concealed explosive devices and vehicles loaded with explosives, which are often constructed from non-military components. This article outlines the dangers posed by IEDs and the appropriate countermeasures.
The Impact of Vehicle-Borne IED Attacks on Bollards: Controlled Numerical Simulations Optimise Protection
by Dr. Daniel Huber (Germany)
Explosive terrorist attacks in busy city centres can have fatal consequences. However, numerical simulations offer a scientific method for modelling and analysing such events in detail, thus optimising protective measures.
Hostage-Taking in Prisons: Preventive Measures
by Lina Kolesnikova (Belgium)
The global scale of hostage-taking in correctional institutions is striking. These serious incidents are affecting an increasing number of prisons and detention facilities. A rise in such cases is expected across the EU. The first crucial step is to recognise the problem, after which all relevant agencies must work together to develop situational awareness and response capabilities.
Getting Warmer: The Importance of Tactical First Aid
by Simon Hendel (Australia)
Severe injury is a race against time. The median active threat phase lasts just six minutes, and only rapid, definitive care can change outcomes. We excel at stopping the killing, but how can we improve our ability to stop the dying? How can we increase the survival rate of victims trapped in threat zones?
A Passion for Saving Lives: Training School Staff in Bleed Control
by Christoph Lippay (Germany)
As a former school-based police officer, Michael Greville is well aware that schools can be violent environments for pupils. The recent rise in knife crime in schools across the United Kingdom is deeply troubling. Concerned by this trend, Greville has devoted his time and energy to developing and delivering bleeding control training for school staff.
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Medical Chain: An Analysis of the Required Education and Treatment
by Frank Klemmer (Germany)
According to NATO doctrine, Combat Lifesavers and Combat Medic Corpsmen are usually the first to provide advanced trauma care to Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel in tactical environments. They do this by following Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines and using basic nursing skills. The article addresses the minimum training and treatment capabilities required of all those involved in treating SOF members.
Training Experiences in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest: An Operations Report
by Carsten Dombrowski (Germany)
In the Atlantic Rainforest of Minas Gerais, a Medical Response Unit underwent field training in extreme conditions. The exercise focused on prolonged casualty care, search-and-rescue supported by drones, and multi-modal evacuation procedures — essential capabilities for remote operations.
The Quality of Police Rescue Operations: Stretcher and Other Casualty Transport Systems
by Alexander Sauter (Germany)
The police often have to extract casualties from danger zones, particularly in the event of a crash or terrorist incident where specialists cannot enter. As no single stretcher fits all scenarios, complementary systems are needed that are chosen according to terrain, distance, personnel, purpose, size, training and cost. Having clear requirements helps to determine the most suitable stretchers and equipment.
How Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters Challenge Healthcare Systems: A Preliminary Overview
by Dániel Rémai (Hungary)
The return of foreign terrorist fighters poses security risks and puts major pressure on Europe’s healthcare systems. Returnees and their families often require specialised physical and psychological care, including trauma support for children. Some states use integrated health, social, and deradicalisation models, but ethical issues remain. To ensure efficient security and support, coordinated, trauma-informed EU standards are needed.
FOR PROFESSIONALS, BY PROFESSIONALS!
Welcome to the
European Journal of Tactical Response & Medicine
From the Editor
The global security environment has become increasingly complex. Armed conflicts, the persistent threat posed by international terrorist networks and radicalised lone offenders, as well as cross-border organised crime, demand the highest level of vigilance and an appropriate response.
The European Journal of Tactical Response & Medicine is published by a distinguished editorial team and renowned authors from Europe and further afield. They share their expertise to provide diverse and exclusive insights into a wide range of operational topics.
If you have any questions, suggestions for topics, or other feedback, please feel free to contact me personally.
On behalf of the editorial team and all contributing authors, I wish you an inspiring and informative read.
With best regards,
Christoph Lippay
(Editor-in-Chief)
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