Northern Berks EMS Special Operations Division
Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS)
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, emergency response agencies throughout the United States recognized the growing need for specialized medical support within high-risk law enforcement operations. In response to these evolving threats and operational demands, Northern Berks EMS — formerly Schuylkill Valley EMS — established its Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) Program on March 1, 2004.
The Northern Berks EMS Special Operations Division was developed to provide advanced medical support during tactical law enforcement incidents, high-risk warrant services, active threat situations, barricaded subjects, civil disturbances, specialized rescue operations, and other critical incidents where traditional EMS response may not be immediately safe or practical.
Our TEMS providers are highly trained medical professionals who undergo extensive physical, medical, and tactical evaluations prior to assignment. Team members receive specialized instruction in tactical casualty care, operational medicine, rescue operations, ballistic injury management, prolonged field care, rescue task force operations, and incident command integration.
Regional Tactical EMS Partnership
Recognizing the need for regional cooperation and advanced operational readiness, Schuylkill Valley EMS partnered with Suburban EMS in Northampton County to establish one of the region’s earliest collaborative Tactical EMS programs. The regional TEMS team operates under the guidance and standards established by the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council TEMS Committee.
Today, the Regional Tactical EMS Team is comprised of highly skilled paramedics, critical care providers, EMS support personnel, and physician medical advisors from agencies throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.
Specialized Team Capabilities
Northern Berks EMS Special Operations personnel are capable of operating in hazardous and dynamic environments while providing immediate medical care to law enforcement officers, civilians, and fellow responders. Team members train alongside tactical law enforcement teams to ensure seamless operational integration during critical incidents.
The division currently includes:
- Tactical Paramedics
- Critical Care Providers
- EMS Support Personnel
- Medical Command Physicians
- Peer Support & Chaplain Services
Supported Tactical & Law Enforcement Teams
Northern Berks EMS TEMS personnel currently provide medical support and operational integration for multiple specialized law enforcement teams throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, including:
- Berks County SWAT
- Lehigh County SWAT
- Easton Police Department SWAT
- Pennsylvania State Police Eastern SERT Team
The Special Operations Division also provides support for:
- County Drug Task Forces
- District Attorney Offices
- Bomb Squad Operations
- Specialized Law Enforcement Details
- Large Scale Public Safety Events
- Multi-Agency Emergency Incidents
Commitment to Training & Readiness
Northern Berks EMS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in tactical emergency medicine. Team members regularly participate in joint training exercises with law enforcement agencies, active threat simulations, emergency preparedness drills, and advanced continuing education programs.
Our mission is to ensure rapid, professional, and lifesaving medical care in environments where seconds matter and conditions are constantly evolving. Through professionalism, teamwork, and advanced medical readiness, Northern Berks EMS continues to stand prepared to support the communities and public safety agencies we proudly serve.
From Left to Right Squad 670 (ALS), Car 670, Squad 6701 (ALS)
SWAT Paramedics Arrive and get dressed prior to a successfull hostage rescue.
The SVEMS Team extends special thanks to our friends from Suburban. These guys have assisted us since day 1 and the knowledge they have shared with us as well as the training they have provided has been endless. THANK YOU GUYS !!
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