TacMed™ Downed Officer Kit

What is the Downed Officer Kit designed for?

The TacMed™ Downed Officer Kit is designed for law enforcement officers to treat life-threatening injuries, including extremity hemorrhage, penetrating wounds, and chest trauma, in the immediate moments following a tactical incident. Its compact size allows storage in a cargo pocket, vehicle glove box, or mounted to a roll bar.

What is the difference between the Standard Kit and the Kit w/Combat Gauze?

The Standard DOK (MEDTAC0746) includes a SOF® Tourniquet, OLAES® 4" bandage, face shield, nitrile gloves, surgical tape, and trauma shears. The Kit w/Combat Gauze (MEDTAC0749) adds CoTCCC-recommended Combat Gauze® LE for deep wound packing — critical for junctional wounds where a tourniquet cannot be applied.

Is the SOF® Tourniquet in the DOK CoTCCC-recommended?

Yes. The SOF® Tourniquet (SOF-T) by Tactical Medical Solutions is CoTCCC-recommended for extremity hemorrhage control alongside the C-A-T® tourniquet. It has been validated in military and law enforcement use for reliable one-handed application.

Can the DOK mount to a patrol vehicle?

Yes. The Downed Officer Kit is designed to mount to a roll bar or protective shield in a patrol car, in addition to being small enough for a cargo pocket or glove box. This ensures immediate availability during vehicle-based deployments.

Is the OLAES® bandage included in the DOK an effective chest seal?

The OLAES® Modular Bandage contains a built-in plastic occlusive film that can be used as an improvised chest seal for penetrating thoracic wounds. While a dedicated vented chest seal is preferred per TCCC guidelines, the OLAES occlusive component provides a functional emergency option when a standalone chest seal is not available.

Can the OLAES® 4" Modular Bandage in the DOK be used as a chest seal?

Yes. One of the OLAES® Modular Bandage's design features is that the built-in plastic wrap can be used as an improvised occlusive chest seal for penetrating chest trauma when a dedicated chest seal is not available. The plastic film wraps around the bandage and can be applied over the wound with three-sided taping technique. This dual-capability is one of the reasons the OLAES® is selected over standard Israeli pressure dressings in this kit.

How does the DOK packaging support field use?

The heavyweight re-sealable bag allows individual components to be inspected and replaced without damaging the package integrity — critical for kit maintenance and readiness verification. Contents can be periodically checked (tourniquet not expired, bandage packaging intact) and single items replaced. The bag is flat and flexible, adapting to cargo pocket geometry or vehicle mounting surfaces.

Is the DOK appropriate for civilian community preparedness?

Yes — it is actively recommended by emergency medicine physicians for workplace, school, and community preparedness. The contents mirror the minimum Stop the Bleed® recommendations (tourniquet + pressure dressing) with higher-performance items than most retail kits, and it has been successfully used in mass casualty events. It does not require advanced training to deploy the tourniquet or apply the pressure dressing; both components include instructions.