Agenda 07/22/2008 Item #16F 7Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
Page 1 of 14
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve a Tactical Medic Program Interlocal Agreement
between Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Collier County
Sheriff's Office.
OBJECTIVE: The Tactical Medic Program will provide specialized pre - hospital
emergency medical support to the Sheriffs Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
during tactical operations.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Tactical Emergency Medical Support Program will allow for
the development of a tactically trained team of EMS paramedics to integrate with SWAT
to allow for undistracted focus on providing medical rescue in support of the SWAT
operators and their mission. The members of the Tactical Medic team will be unarmed and
possess no law- enforcement powers.
While Collier EMS has historically responded to SWAT missions, this Agreement
formally establishes procedures and chain of command, and will assure that medics
engaging in SWAT operations are specifically qualified and trained for those missions.
The paramedics selected for the program will receive ongoing training, as well as
protective equipment provided by the Sheriff s Office. The program does not expose the
EMS staff to any higher level of danger, but conversely the training and interaction with
the SWAT unit will afford them a higher level of safety and preparedness. The Tactical
Emergency Medical Support Program is one that has worked well in other jurisdictions,
including Polk, Hillsborough and Hendry Counties, as well as the City of Kissimmee.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds of an estimated $1,000 will be needed for specialized medical
equipment and are available for FY08 in the Emergency Medical Services operating
budget. The program will not increase salary or overtime expenditures.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Tactical Medic Program Interlocal Agreement
has been approved for form and legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney.
This item is legally sufficient for Board consideration. - JAB
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management Impact
resulting from this action.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approve a Tactical
Medic Program Interlocal Agreement between Collier County Board of County
Commissioners and the Collier County Sheriffs Office.
PREPARED BY: Artie Bay, Accounting Supervisor, Emergency Medical Services
Page I of 1
Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
Page 2 of 14
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number: 16F7
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve a Tactical Medic Program Interlocal Agreement between the
Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Collier County Sheriffs Office.
Meeting Date: 7/22/2008 9:00:00 AM
Prepared By
Artie Bay
Senior Administrative Assistant
Date
Bureau of Emergency
EMS
7/2/2008 4:45:24 PM
Services
Approved By
Jeff Page
EMS Chief
Date
Bureau of Emergency
EMS
7/2/2008 4:53 PM
Services
Approved By
Jennifer A. Belpedio
Assistant County Attorney
Date
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
7/9/2008 11:50 AM
Approved By
Dan E. Summers
Bureau of Emergency Services Director
Date
County Manager's Office
Bureau of Emergency Services
7/912008 12:33 PM
Approved By
OMB Coordinator
OMB Coordinator
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
7/14/2008 10:04 AM
Approved By
Sherry Pryor
Management & Budget Analyst
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
71`14/2008 12:11 PM
Approved By
James V. Mudd
County Manager
Date
Board of County
Commissioners
County Manager's Office
7/1412008 12:21 PM
file: / /C:\AgendaTest \Export\l I1- July% 2022,% 202008 \16. %2000NSENT %20AGENDA \1... 7/15/2008
Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
Page 3 of 14
TACTICAL MEDIC PROGRAM
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
PARTIES
THIS INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, made and entered into this day of
2008, by and between the Board of County Commissioners, Collier County,
Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, (hereinafter called the "COUNTY ") and
the Collier County Sheriff s Office, an Independent Constitutional Officer of the State of Florida
(hereinafter referred to as the "SHERIFF ").
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions under
which an intra- agency Tactical Emergency Medical Support Program is created and continued
between the Parties. The program will provide specialized pre - hospital emergency medical
support to the SHERIFF's Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) during tactical
operations. To that end, a tactically trained team of COUNTY EMS paramedics (Tactical
Medics) will be developed to support and integrate with SWAT. To allow for undistracted focus
on providing medical rescue in support of the SWAT operators and their mission, the Tactical
Medic team will be unarmed and possess no law- enforcement powers.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, COUNTY and SHERIFF seek to enhance emergency service within Collier
County through an infra- agency partnership; and
WHEREAS, COUNTY and SHERIFF seek to create an intra - agency Tactical
Emergency Medical Support Program (hereinafter referred to as the "Tactical Medic Program ");
and
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Agenda Item No, 16F7
July 22, 2008
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WHEREAS, the Tactical Medic Program provides for COUNTY Tactical Medics to
work and train with the Collier County Sheriff's Office SWAT unit (hereinafter referred to as
"SWAT "); and
WHEREAS, the Tactical Medic Program provides for a COUNTY Tactical Medic to
respond with SWAT to tactical operations as provided by this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Tactical Medic Program provides for COUNTY Tactical Medics who
are unarmed, and posses no law- enforcement powers; and
WHEREAS, COUNTY and SHERIFF work cooperatively to assure sufficient resources
are allocated to the establishment and maintenance of the program created by this Agreement;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises, and the mutual
covenants, terms, and provisions contained herein, the COUNTY and SHERIFF agree as
follows:
SECTIONL• LEGALAUTHORITY
1.0 This Interlocal Agreement is entered into pursuant to the provisions of Section 163.01,
Florida Statutes, The Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969 and other applicable law. The
parties entering into this Interlocal Agreement are fully cognizant of the constitutional limitations
on the transfer of powers set forth in Article VIII, Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of
Florida.
SECTION IL• AUTHORITY GRANTED AND CHAIN OF COMMAND
2.0 The following organizational structures set forth shall:
1. Define a chain of command within each organization;
2. Provide a limited and specific chain of confidentiality;
3. Provide administrative and operational support for the program; and
4. Not conflict with otherwise established COUNTY or SHERRIFF chain of
command.
2.1 The Collier County Sheriff's Office chain of command within the program shall be
currently defined as:
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1. SWAT Commander: Commander Robert Lewis
2. SWAT Supervisor: John Rego, Acting Lieutenant
3. SWAT Team Leader & Program Liaison: Daren Larson, Sergeant
2.2 The COUNTY's Collier County EMS/Fire Department (herein referred to as "CCE ")
chain of command within the program shall be currently defined as:
1. Program Administrator: Dan Bowman, Deputy Chief
2. Program Coordinator: Christian DeBiasi, Battalion Chief
3. Tactical Medic Team Leader: Ramon Gonzalez, Lieutenant
2.3 Each agency's respective chain of command shall be recognized and remain in effect for
the duration of this lnterlocal Agreement, and agencies shall notify the other of any changes in
personnel affecting the chain of command. The chain of command of each agency shall exist
independently of each other with the following provisions:
1. During tactical operations, the Tactical Medic is under the direct command of the
SWAT Team Leader.
2. SWAT Command has the ultimate authority regarding tactical decisions. This
includes patient care mitigation that may further endanger team members or the mission.
3. The Tactical Medic will make and implement all medical decisions as the
Attending Medical Practitioner unless these decisions: jeopardize team safety, jeopardize
mission accomplishment, or conflict with orders given by the SWAT Team Leader or
SWAT Command.
SECTION III: RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS
3.0 If the two governing entities standard operating procedures, chain of command, or any
other unforeseen circumstances come into conflict, issues will immediately be decided in the
following manner:
1. The SHERIFF or his designee will have jurisdiction of tactical and law
enforcement issues concerning operations, safety, and confidentiality.
2. The COUNTY will have jurisdiction of medical issues concerning appropriate
pre - hospital emergency medical care under the following provisions: there exists no
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July 22, 2008
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conflict with tactical mission objectives, team safety, or Team Leader orders given during
tactical operations.
3. Conflicts involving patient care issues will be resolved through a COUNTY EMS
Medical Director approved Quality Assurance process.
4. Should conflicts arise that can not be resolved, the chain of command within each
agency will come together in an attempt to resolve those issues at the equivalent levels of
each agency, and in unison move up the chain of command as necessary.
SECTIONIV.• QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
4.0 Tactical Medic Program candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications to
be considered for acceptance into the program:
1. A letter of intent must be submitted indicating the candidate's desire to be
considered for participation in the Tactical Medic Program. This letter must be submitted
to the Program Coordinator not less than 15 days prior to the announced date of program
testing.
2. CCE Paramedic It status.
3. Endorsement of the Medical Director.
4. Endorsement of the CCE Program Administrator.
5. Overall, work performance, behavior, attitude, clinical skills, and professionalism
during regularly assigned duties must be consistently demonstrated at "satisfactory"
levels in all areas.
4.1 Selection for participation in the Tactical Medic Program will be based on the following:
1. Successful completion of oral interview as conducted by CCE;
2. Successful completion of written exam as administered by CCE;
3. Successful completion of physical agility testing as conducted by CCE; and
4. Successful completion of interview and screening as conducted by the SHERIFF.
4.2 Participation in the Tactical Medic Program will be based on the following minimum
qualifications:
1. Successful completion of a recognized TEMS course;
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2. Successful completion of a Basic SWAT Tactics course as provided by the
SHERIFF;
3. Attendance of all required SWAT training;
4. Attendance of all required CCE in- service training;
5. Maintain a high standard of physical conditioning;
6. Continued endorsement of the SWAT Team Leader; and
7. Continued endorsement of the Tactical Medic Team Leader.
4.3 As part of the SHERIFF's screening process, Tactical Medic Program candidates and
participants may be subject to polygraph testing and/or drug testing. Failure to submit to such
testing will result in immediate expulsion from the program. Requests for such testing will be at
the discretion of SHERIFF, and will be preceded by reasonable suspicion and notification to the
Program Coordinator.
SECTION V.• CONFIDENTIALITYAND OPERATIONAL SECURITY POLICY
5.0 It is recognized that Tactical Medics will be exposed to confidential information during
program participation. It is further recognized that Tactical Medics will be held to strict
standards of confidentiality and operations security. Information covered under this policy will
include, but is not limited to, the knowledge of.,
1. SWAT tactics;
2. SWAT operations; and
3. The identities of SWAT members and undercover law - enforcement personnel.
5.1 Unless otherwise directed by SWAT Command, Tactical Medics are strictly prohibited
from sharing any information, as outlined in Section 6.0, with any person or persons not
authorized to receive such knowledge.
5.2 Unless otherwise directed by SWAT Command, Tactical Medics will refrain from
communicating with the media.
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5.3 Any breech of the standards set forth in this Agreement may result in suspension or
expulsion from the Tactical Medic Program and/or employment with the COUNTY. In addition,
it is acknowledged that any violation of this confidentiality policy may result in a violation of
law.
SECTION Vl.• RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SHERIFF
The following specific services, duties, and responsibilities will be the obligation of
SHERIFF:
6.0 The SHERIFF shall provide all necessary tactical PPE to Tactical Medics participating in
active operations or training. The SHERIFF shall maintain ownership and maintenance of all
tactical PPE provided to the program.
6.1 The SHERIFF shall provide a Basic SWAT tactics and TEMS course to Tactical Medics
prior to participating in active operations. The course curriculum and content shall be at the
discretion of SWAT Command.
6.2 The SHERIFF shall provide a choice of two [2] SWAT training days each calendar
month for Tactical Medics to attend and fulfill the training requirements set forth in this
Agreement.
SECTION VII RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY
The following specific services, duties, and responsibilities will be the obligation of
COUNTY:
7.0 The COUNTY shall provide, through the Collier County EMS /Fire Department; medical
direction, medical protocols, medical training and quality assurance to the Tactical Medic
Program.
7.1 The COUNTY, through the Collier County EMS /Fire Department, shall provide a
minimum of one Tactical Medic 24 hours a day for response to the incidents outlined in this
Interlocal Agreement.
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July 22, 2008
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7.2 The COUNTY shall provide all medical equipment necessary for the program
establishment and continued functioning.
7.3 The COUNTY shall ensure Tactical Medics attend one SWAT training day each calendar
month, unless otherwise excused by the SWAT Team Leader.
7.4 The COUNTY shall ensure Tactical Medics maintain, in good standing, all medical
certifications and licenses.
SECTION VIII, PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND OPERATIONS
8.0 Standard operating procedures shall be developed jointly for the program by the
SHERIFF and COUNTY. These procedures shall be in accordance with the program's purpose
and objectives as stated in this Agreement.
8.1 The following objectives of the Tactical Medic Program shall guide the development and
evolution of program operations. These objectives are to:
1. Enhance SWAT mission success;
2. Reduce mortality and morbidity among SWAT operators, law enforcement
personnel, innocent victims, and perpetrators;
3. Reduce "line of duty" injuries and disability costs;
4. Reduce lost work time for specially trained officers who are hard to replace; and
5. Maintain good team morale and welfare.
SECTION IX.• FUNTIONS OF THE TACTICAL MEDIC
9.0 The Tactical Medic will perform specialized functions as part of the standard operational
practices adopted for the program. These functions will include:
1. Acquiring & maintaining medical history, immunizations, and the current health
status of each SWAT Team Member. Strict confidentiality of medical information will
be maintained at all times.
2. Development of appropriate physical fitness, stress prevention, and self -
aid/buddy -aid programs for team personnel.
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Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
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3. Monitoring the medical effects of environmental /mission conditions on individual
and team performance. This will include sleep deprivation monitoring, nutritional status,
and the effects of extreme environmental conditions. Any significant findings will
immediately be conveyed to the Team Leader.
4. Providing medical treatment to injured or ill team members during tactical
operations. Medical care will also be provided to non -law enforcement personnel injured
or ill during tactical operations.
5. Decontamination will be provided as needed to team members and non -law
enforcement personnel during training or tactical operations.
6. Serving as the patient advocate for CCSO Deputies who are treated by other
medical providers. The Tactical Medic will establish good working relationships with
other local emergency response agencies and definitive medical care facilities to assure
the appropriate integration of the TEMS program.
7. Preparing medical surveillance, rehabilitation and medical pre-plans to assess
risks to mission success and team welfare. A Medical Threat Assessment (MTA)
document will be created for all tactical operations and training events.
8. Preparing the training and implementation of mission specific casualty extraction
techniques. This training will also include Immediate Action Drills and Tactical Search
and Rescue. It will be the Tactical Medic's role to develop Officer Recovery pre -plans
for all call -outs.
9. Providing the Team Leader and SWAT Command with options for Medicine
Across the Barricade (MAB) and possible contingency plans.
SECTIONX.• TACTICAL MEDIC RESPONSE INCIDENTS
10.0 Incidents for which a Tactical Medic response is desired and appropriate include:
1. High risk warrant service (HRW);
2. Hostage situations;
3. Drug interdiction and raids;
4. Barricaded suspects;
5. Armed felony suspect arrests;
6. Dignitary protection details;
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Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
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7. Civil disturbances/demonstrations;
8. Active shooter incidents;
9. Terrorist acts;
10. Cooperative operations with other law enforcement agencies (i.e. FBI, DEA,
ATF, FDLE, and other local police agencies;
11. Augment CCSO Corrections Emergency Response Team;
12. Augment CCSO Narcotics Unit (Warrant Service);
13. Tactical training events; and
14. Any incident not explicitly outlined here, but deemed necessary by the SHERIFF
or SWAT Command.
SECTION XI- RELATIONSHIP OF EMPLOYEE
11.0 This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, make any employee of the
Collier County EMS /Fire Department an employee of the Collier County Sheriff s Office for any
purpose whatsoever, nor any employee of the Collier County Sheriff s Office an employee of the
Collier County EMS/Fire Department for any purpose whatsoever. The Tactical Medics who
participate in the program shall remain employees of the Collier County EMS/Fire Department
for all purposes related to their employment, and shall not be considered to be jointly employed
by Collier County Sheriff s Office and the Collier County EMS /Fire Department.
11.1 The SHERIFF shall have the unilateral right to rescind at any time, permanently or
temporarily, the status of any Tactical Medic participating in the program under the provisions of
this Agreement, and shall promptly notify the Program Coordinator of such action as well as the
reason for the action. During their assignment within the program, Tactical Medic's duties and
responsibilities will be strictly limited by the SHERIFF to serving as tactical medical support
personnel for the SWAT team.
11.2 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to render any Tactical Medic Program team
members an employee or volunteer of the Collier County Sheriffs Office for the purpose of
Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, the Worker's Compensation Law, or Chapter 447, Part 11, Florida
Statutes, the Public Employees Relations Act.
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Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22. 2008
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11.3 Neither party is authorized to make or enter into any contract, agreement, or warranty on
behalf of the other, unless the parties to this Agreement have entered into such written agreement
expressly authorizing such.
11.4 Whenever a complaint as a result of participation in this program has been lodged against
a member of one of the agencies party to this Agreement, the identity, contact information for the
complainant, and nature of the complaint should be ascertained. That information should be
promptly forwarded to the affected agency chain of command for administrative review and
appropriate handling and disposition.
SECTIONXII. GRANTS AND FUNDING
12.0 Any employee wages or overtime wages incurred during participation in the Tactical
Medic Program by employees of the SHERIFF will be paid by the SHERIFF.
12.1 Any employee wages or overtime wages incurred during participation in the Tactical
Medic Program by employees of the COUNTY will be paid by the COUNTY.
12.2 The parties agree to engage, when feasible and desirable, to jointly seek grants to fund
activities that are the subject of this Interlocal Agreement.
SECTIONXIIL IMPLEMENTING MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
13.0 The parties of this Agreement may enter into various Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) to specifically implement all aspects of the Tactical Medic Program outlined herein.
SECTIONXIY: LIABILITY
14.0 Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit or modify the provisions of Section
768.28, Florida Statutes, as it applies to the COUNTY and the SHERIFF. Nothing herein shall
abrogate Chapter 768, Florida Statutes.
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Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
Page 13 of 14
14.1 The parties hereto agree that nothing contained herein shall in any way waive the
sovereign immunity that they enjoy presently under the Constitution or statutes of the State of
Florida and particularly with respect to Chapter 768, Florida Statutes.
SECTIONXV, FURTHER ASSURANCES
15.0 In addition to the acts recited in or set forth in this Interlocal Agreement, the COUNTY
and the SHERIFF agree to perform or cause to be performed, in a timely manner, any and all
further acts as may be reasonably necessary to implement the provisions of this Interlocal
Agreement.
SECTIONXVI. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
16.0 This Interlocal Agreement shall take effect on the date of full execution by the parties and
shall continue in effect thereafter unless terminated by party without cause or further liability,
with written notice to the other party. Said notice shall be given not less than 90 days prior to the
termination date. Said notice shall be deemed delivered when a copy is delivered to the other
party by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
16.1 The responsibilities expressed in Sections VII through XI will not take effect until the
initial Tactical Medic Team is selected and trained for active participation in tactical operations.
This Team will consist of not less than six COUNTY Tactical Medics, and take no more than
120 days to from the date all parties sign this Agreement.
SECTION XVH: SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
17.0 This Interlocal Agreement and the terms and conditions hereof shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the SHERIFF and COUNTY and their respective successors in interest.
SECTIONXVIII. BINDINGEFFECT
18.0 Each party hereto represents to the other that it has undertaken all necessary actions to
execute this Interlocal Agreement, and that it has the legal authority to enter into this Interlocal
Agreement and to undertake all obligations imposed on it.
Agenda Item No. 16F7
July 22, 2008
Page 14 of 14
SECTION DX. ASSIGNMENTS
19.0 No party shall assign this Interlocal Agreement, or any interest or obligation herein,
without express written consent of the other party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Interlocal Agreement to
be executed by their appropriate officials, as of the date first above written.
ATTEST:
Authorized Attesting Authority
Michael J. HWberg
CCSO Legal Counsel
legal Sufficiency:
ATTEST:
DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK
Approval as to form and legal Sufficiency:
t1�.f%7
J enf Rfer A. Belpedio N%
Assistant County Attorney
04 -EMC -0 I 149/1607
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
IVA
TOM HENNING, CHAIRMAN