Penn Tactical Solutions
Field Notes
From the Field. For the Field.
Field Notes is where Penn Tactical Solutions publishes operational insights, clinical updates, and perspective pieces from active practitioners across emergency medicine, law enforcement, fire, and tactical medicine.
This is not a marketing blog. Every piece published here is written by someone who has worked the scenario, managed the call, or trained for the situation. We publish what we learn so others can be better prepared.
Have something worth sharing? We accept contributor submissions from qualified practitioners. Selected contributors receive a $25 gift card or a Penn Tactical t-shirt of their choice.
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The countdown Fifty days from today, the largest sporting event ever staged in this region will begin. FIFA...
Twenty-seven years after Columbine, the way we respond to active threats and the bleeding that follows has ...
Last night I went out with friends. The guy at the door checked IDs. That was it. No AED, no first aid kit,...
Every round fired releases lead into the air. Learn how exposure happens, who is most at risk, and the simp...
Police officers are often the first to arrive at critical incidents, where the first few minutes can determ...
When a serious injury occurs at school, the first few minutes often determine the outcome. This guide expla...
In 2026, massive crowds will fill stadiums, fan zones, transit hubs, and festival grounds across the country. Most people will never think about crowd safety until it ...
Understanding the difference between an IFAK and a trauma kit comes down to purpose, access, and training. This guide breaks down what to carry, how to prioritize gear...
When an EMS crew responds to what appears to be a routine call, the expectation is to treat illness, injury, or overdose. Increasingly, providers are also encountering...
Most people think of EMS as the ambulance that shows up when something goes wrong. What they don’t see is everything behind it: long shifts, provider burnout, funding ...
“Many victims in mass shootings die from chest injuries, not limb wounds. A simple chest seal can keep air out of the chest cavity and give victims a fighting chance u...
Needle decompression saves lives, but confirmation of success has long relied on subjective signs. Colorimetric capnography offers an objective, rapid way to confirm p...
You've probably seen them: embroidered patches or gear labeled “O+” or “A-” on tactical vests, range bags, or uniforms. They look cool, but do they make a difference?
You’re sitting down for lunch with your shift when the EAS siren activates for an explosion and ongoing shooting incident at a shopping mall just two miles from your s...
Penn Tactical Editorial Note This article is provided by a guest contributor and reflects operational perspectives from the field. Terminology, definitions, and best...