Medicine and Executive Protection

Lately, the intersection of medicine and executive protection has been a subject of conversation. Although I do not possess medical qualifications such as a doctor, EMT, or EMT-Paramedic, my experience in the executive protection field spans over 17 years, and I have extensively traveled internationally with my clients and medical experts. In this discussion, I aim to tackle two key aspects related to medicine and executive protection: prescriptions and training.

To begin, let's delve into medications, specifically prescriptions. In the era of telemedicine, numerous avenues have emerged for obtaining prescriptions and medical kits.

It's imperative to clarify that these services are not intended for security practitioners to independently order on behalf of their clients. Nor is permissible for security practitioners to obtain prescriptions for “just in case” scenarios.? These prescriptions or medical kits are explicitly prescribed for individual use, and sharing is strictly prohibited. In such cases, security practitioners should ensure that their clients undergo assessment by the designated service provider for the proper prescription and usage of the kit.

Quote from a telemedicine website FAQ page

"Can I share my Med Kit with other people?"

"No. Each medication is prescribed to one individual only and intended for use by one individual only."

In the event that a security practitioner procures a kit and acts dishonestly regarding its intended recipient, administering medication that has not been prescribed to the individual, there exists a potential for harm or even fatality. In such circumstances, the practitioner would be held accountable for any resulting harm and could potentially face violations of international medication transportation regulations.

It is crucial to emphasize that medications, including items like EpiPens, should only be administered by licensed medical practitioners, the individual with the allergy themselves, or family members/caregivers who have received training from healthcare providers to properly administer EpiPens when necessary. ?Clients that may require an EpiPen should be identified during a medical work up completed by a medical professional. The security practitioner should be trained by a healthcare provider prior and should only use the EpiPen prescribed to the client.

In addition, it's worth noting that when traveling internationally with medication, to include hypodermic needles, there may be a requirement to declare them at the port of entry. Typically, these declarations need to be endorsed by a medical doctor. Not properly declaring these items could result in medication confiscation, detainment, or expulsion from the country you are trying to enter.?

?In addition, it's advisable for security practitioners to procure these medical kits and prescriptions for their personal use. These resources are valuable tools for maintaining personal health and well-being. After all, if a security practitioner were to be incapacitated due to a preventable illness, their ability to effectively secure the client would be compromised. Taking steps to safeguard one's health not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of the security team.??

Now, let's delve into the realm of training.

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The aim here is not to prescribe specific training for security practitioners but rather to focus on the qualifications of the training provider and the manner in which training is conducted.

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Due diligence is paramount when it comes to all training but especially when it comes to life saving medical training. When the person or organization you've chosen to deliver guidance and instruction lacks the necessary qualifications, it introduces a significant element of uncertainty concerning the accuracy of the information they teach.

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When it comes to the medical qualifications of instructors, it's essential to request and verify their credentials with the relevant licensing bodies. For instance, if you're planning to attend Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training, a program offered by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), it's crucial that the instructors are registered as an approved instructor with NAEMT, and the organization they represent must be an approved training center by NAEMT.

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Another noteworthy concern in training is what's often termed as "stacking certificates." This practice occurs when there's an overlap of medical topics, and an instructor combines multiple courses into one, providing certifications for all of them.

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Regardless of the overlap, each medical training course has its distinct requirements to fulfill specific training objectives.? Each course has its own dedicated training materials and training time which are critical requirements for each course. For instance, TECC covers topics like hemorrhage control and steps to address injuries, and these methods are also covered in the Stop the Bleed course. However, this overlap doesn't permit an instructor to issue certificates for both TECC and Stop the Bleed, as each course has its unique training criteria and should be approached as such.

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In Summary

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As professionals in the field of executive security, it is our duty to consider and plan for potential medical emergencies. However, it is of utmost importance that we do so without putting our clients at risk through improper preparation. When it comes to clients requiring medication, there are appropriate and legitimate channels to obtain the necessary prescriptions and medical supplies.

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Regarding training, there is a pressing need for us to improve the vetting process for those who provide life-saving training. Ensuring that instructors possess the necessary qualifications and expertise is paramount to equipping ourselves with the skills and knowledge required to handle medical emergencies effectively and safely. Our commitment to excellence in both medical preparedness and training is essential in providing the highest level of security and protection for our clients.