Editorial staff
The Morning Journal
NORTH RIDGE, Ohio — The North Ridgeville Fire Department recently partnered with the University Hospitals Tactical Emergency Casualty Care team to complete two days of advanced educational training designed to enhance lifesaving response in high-risk situations.
While Fire Department personnel regularly participate in active shooter training alongside the Police Department, this marks the first time firefighters have trained with this specialized medical team, according to a news release.
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“The maximum class size was 25 and we were able to have 21 members participate, representing the majority of our department,” said North Ridgeville Assistant Chief Jon Graf in the release. “We hope to provide the remaining staff with the opportunity to complete the training next year.”
The Tactical Emergency Casualty Care course is structured around three critical phases of response:
• Phase I — Hot Zone /Direct Threat Care. This is care provided while under active threat or in immediate danger.
• Phase II — Warm Zone /Indirect Threat Care. This is care rendered after a threat has been suppressed, but still may exist.
• Phase III — Cold Zone /Evacuation Care. This is care provided while evacuating patients from the scene.
The first day of training focused on classroom instruction followed by hands-on practice of lifesaving techniques, including wound packing, tourniquet application for hemorrhage control and airway management, according to the release.
Day two immersed participants in realistic, high-stress simulations designed to engage multiple senses.
Firefighters trained with visual wound simulations and simulated environmental stressors while practicing patient extrication, emergency wound management and coordinated movement of patients to treatment areas.
The training equips first responders and prehospital personnel with the skills necessary to provide lifesaving care in tactical environments such as active shooter incidents or mass casualty events.
Unlike traditional training that centers primarily on procedure, this course emphasized patient-centered care while maintaining responder safety and operational effectiveness.
Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on simulations, participants were challenged to make rapid, informed decisions in time-critical situations where threats and injuries may occur simultaneously.
Upon successful completion, participants are recognized as tactical emergency casualty care providers for four years, the release said.
Based on military tactical combat casualty care principles and adapted for civilian application, the training reinforces the Fire Department’s commitment to preparedness, coordination and the highest level of service to the North Ridgeville community, according to the release.
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