Development of a tactical first aid training program for the Police and Border Guard Board

In high-threat situations, police officers must provide lifesaving assistance to the best of their ability. With the increasing number of terrorist attacks, officers are likely to encounter severely injured individuals or even sustain injuries themselves during operations. However, current training does not fully address the challenges they may face in such critical situations. This study aimed to develop and implement a tactical first aid training program for law enforcement officers within the Police and Border Guard Board. The research is part of a broader nationwide tactical medical concept. The study was conducted in two phases: the first phase focused on developing the training program, while the second phase involved its implementation among law enforcement officers. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 300 officers participated in the training. The pilot results were positive, and training will continue in 2025. The feedback indicates that a standardized training program significantly enhances police officers’ knowledge and skills in performing lifesaving techniques as outlined in the tactical first aid curriculum. The developed program has already been integrated into the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences curricula. To maximize lifesaving capabilities, a structured training program is essential for equipping first responders with the necessary skills to handle high-risk incidents. Establishing systematic tactical first aid training is a strategic priority for enhancing first response and special operations capabilities. Moving forward, it will be crucial to evaluate the impact of the training program on the quality of assistance provided, as well as to assess the ongoing training needs of police officers.