Special Operations

After the unprecedented events of September 11, 2001 the Command Staff of Washington County EMS went to work to find real solutions to problems that were identified in this unfortunate turning event in our country. Early in 2003 the Department decided to make a commitment to its stakeholders by the formation of a Special Operations Division within the County’s EMS Department. The mission of the program is to have the ability to provide early advanced life support care through a highly skilled rescue paramedic in any situation or circumstance within our 700 sq/mile response area.

Today the Special Operations Division has grown to encompass five unique areas with the ability to access, assess, and treat critically ill or injured patients that are found in nearly any circumstance. Our Rescue Paramedics are highly trained, experienced, and dedicated paramedics that believe in the mission and community that they serve.

Our division offers a team that specializes in Hazmat, Tactical, Land Rescue, and Water Rescue Operations. In 2010 our Water Rescue Division became a part of the world renowned Texas Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Team.

Our special operations rescue paramedics undergo an additional eight hours of training in vaccination and administrative paperwork issues.

The training is sponsored by the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Programs Department.

The primary purpose of the program is to access, assess, and treat anyone who may become injured, stranded, or need assistance on the waterways or during a flood within our jurisdiction…

Recognizing the dangerous conditions and the conduciveness for injury during a tactical police deployment, an agreement for the provision of on-scene medical care is adopted by Washington County EMS (WCEMS) and the Brenham Policy Department (BPD).

The goal of the Washington County EMS Special Operations paramedic is to provide the highest quality medical rescue service to patients in extraordinary situations and challenging environments, regardless of the circumstances.