Members of the TEMS team pose with the LPS armoured rescue vehicle. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

New Lethbridge Police/EMS team-up to support injured victims

Jan 28, 2025 | 11:32 AM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) have announced a new partnership to improve response times and outcomes in high-risk situations.

As part of the Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) team, seven advanced care paramedics will be embedded within the LPS Tactical Team.

After receiving specialized training and equipment, they will provide immediate medical care to injured civilians or police officers at the scene of high-risk incidents, such as hostage takings or active assailant scenarios.

LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh says, “We have seen an increase in Tactical Team deployments over the past few years and an increase in high-risk incidents involving weapons and violence. As a result, we have a responsibility to address the increased risk of harm to members of the public and our first responders.”

Prior to the creation of the local TEMS group, regular paramedics would be staged blocks away from an incident, meaning it would take longer to respond the peoples’ medical needs.

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LFES Chief Greg Adair says their goal is to provide the community with the best care possible.

“With the TEMS team ready to go we’re enhancing our ability to respond to patients in critical incidents where every second could mean the difference between life and death,” says Adair.

The TEMS concept originated with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in 1971 and has since expanded to other police agencies throughout North America.

That includes several police services in Alberta.

READ MORE: First responders academy coming to Medicine Hat high school

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