Book Reviews

As one reviewer previously noted, this is not a text for those already experienced in the field. That was not Raf's objective. What this text is, however, is a solid primer on legal topics related to tactical EMS. I would think this would be an excellent companion to tactical EMS courses at the entry level. This book would be most helpful for government administrators whose fire, EMS, or law enforcement subordinates are lobbying for a tactical team or for emergency services executives wrestling with whether or not their agency should attempt to start a team.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I had the honor and privilege of working with and training with Raf in a public safety organization a few years ago and he sent me a copy of this text and asked for my opinion. If his book was crap, I just wouldn't review it. I have spent over three decades in police, fire, and EMS including time as a state EMS administrator and time as a fire chief. I am also entering my last year of law school. I have not served on a tactical team, but I'm fairly confident my background qualifies me to render an opinion on this work. Other than gifting me a copy of the book, I have received no compensation for this review.

~By Pyroknighton

This is an outstanding book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this for tactical medical responders (Fire, EMS, and Police) this explains the civil liabilities that may occur while operating in good faith. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience as a patrolman and now a Chief of Police at a college campus I can honestly say that Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders is a must read.

~By Chief Curtis Greene
Chattanooga State Police Department

As a retired Chief Officer and 30 year, fire service veteran and now serving as a Professor at a Community College instructing future fire service leaders this is a must read for all EMT's, Paramedics, Swat Medics and Firefighters. I found it easy to read with a nice conversational style. I was educated on some various aspects of the legal considerations that I was not familiar with, as one must be if they have a profession in any of these occupations.

Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders would be a great addition to any EMT or Paramedic Program curriculum as well a seasoned veteran to help prepare and protect yourself and your department from liability lawsuits.

~By Amazon Customer

Not only is this book well written I wasn't able to put it down and let me tell you I don't like to read so for a book to be able to hold my attention says something in greater depth that words can not express. It talked about things that should be discussed. I personally have recommended this book to all of my friends in Law enforcement, military, corrections, first responders private sector security agents even firefighters. I believe this book to be a great topic opener and puts a light on discussions over legalities that surround us in our duties every day. If you are curious about what I'm talking about, do yourself a favor and check it out. You will thank yourself and the author for opening your mind. Never stop learning and stay safe.

~By Matthew

This book is short at 87 pages, can be read in a couple of hours, and is written in a clear and conversational manner. Throughout the text, the author stays on point in the discussion of legal liability for tactical medical responders without any fluff or filler. He moves progressively through the legal aspects of pertinent sub-topics including but not limited to

-areas of risk, such as civil, criminal, regulatory
-confidentiality and HIPAA
-consent, negligence, abandonment
-norms and standards of care
-tacmed-specific areas such as evidence, force, detained subjects
-personnel selection, employee/shared/contractor/volunteer
-ownership of, and responsibility for personnel and gear
-public relations and media

Each sub-topic is covered in a very broad fashion, discussing the most universal and obvious issues and considerations. It does not delve into any specific area, noting the variability of local law and practices. Where lacking depth, the author advises to consult local legislation, regulation, and authorities and follow that guidance. The author is candid about that lack of depth, and there’s no attempt to be a comprehensive analysis. It is footnoted with references to some associated state and federal law, cases, legal and medical definitions for additional reading.

Having a background in interdisciplinary (LE/EMS) operations, instruction, administration, and tactical medical efforts at different levels puts the text squarely in my lane. There was no new information in the book for me, and similarly situated professionals are likely to have the same view. This text is a quick survey…an expanded, narrative checklist…well suited for LE or EMS managers with little to no exposure to the other’s issues. There is likely more for the LE manager to learn from this book than their EMS counterpart. For a field supervisor or aspiring administrator in either field, this book would be a good birds eye view of how larger programs must deal with many and varied issues. For the line officer/medic or tactical medical responder, this book is a good survey of what they are exposing themselves to and some universally applicable best practices. Also, what they should expect of their agencies and managers.

The information in this book would make for an informative conference presentation for LE and EMS managers, with the book an accompanying take-home reference.

I would like to see a larger work developed from this book with more comprehensive analysis of issues, including case studies. However, as noted by the author the "tactical medical responder" concept is still emerging and has not had as much legal review as other risk areas. Instead, perhaps a second edition could offer discussion of successful programs and lessons-learned as exemplars.

I will add this book to my list of starting references for those considering TMR/TEMS efforts in their area.

Near its conclusion, the book summarizes itself well, thusly. “If you take nothing else from this book, take away this: proper policies and procedures, written by experts and researched to determine the regional standards and then taught by qualifies instructors to your personnel are the best insurance policy you can have against risk.

~By Amazon Customer

After reviewing Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders: For Both the Individuals & Agencies by Raffaele M. Di Giorgio I would have to say this is a book that every individual that performs any form of tactical medical function, as well as those in the EMT/Paramedic world, should take the time to read and follow. This should be a reference manual that is constantly used to reinforce the importance of knowing the legal ramifications that are associated with those who day in and day risk their lives to save others. Any professional education organization that operates such a program as tactical medicine training, or those involve in training EMT/Paramedics, should consider this book as an additional learning source or text book. This is an excellent research source with practical insight from a professional who has been there and has been involved in the tactical medicine field. A very well developed document that is easy to read and easy to understand. An excellent book for both the beginner and the professional. A must have addition to any professionals library.

~By Rodney Andreasen MS, MS, MA, FPEM, CEM

I had an opportunity to listen to Raffaele Di Giorgio lecture twice on Tactical Medicine as it relates to Executive Protection. Raffaele is one of those guys who has been there and done that worldwide ...literally. After hearing he had written a book for tactical medics, I had to get it. I'm just beginning to dig into this book (currently reading chapter 2) and so far I find it very easy to follow with citations and references to cases to support his points, yet not so heavy as to make it boring. The table of contents list a variety of legal considerations that should be thought about for legal protection, should you choose to render aid to someone (after all, accidents and injuries happen ALL the time around us in the most common and uncommon of places) and are concerned about whether or not your actions or inactions, should you choose NOT to render aid, could get you sued. We live in a very litigious society. The information provided in this book should help any EMT, Medic, or lay person ease their minds about legal woes as they work their craft. Knowledge is power.

~By Leon Adams

In a day and age where it seems every aspiring writer tags tactical on the front of whatever topic they wish to write about, Mr. Di Giorgio actually knows his subject matter intimately and is able to convey that knowledge to his readers. This book will serve as a great guide and reference for tactical Medics everywhere.

~By PSS Paramedic

I have worked with Max on an overseas assignment. He is one of the most knowledgeable individuals I know on the subject of tactical medics, as well as many other subjects! This book is a must for personnel and departments that have or are thinking about starting a TEMS/TCCC program.

~By Amazon Customer

Contact Raffaele Di Giorgio if you want learn tac medicine. Added bonus - you may be able to save a family member's life also.

~By Frank Gallagher Author of “The Bremer Detail: Protecting The Most Threatened Man In The World”

A must read for anyone running or starting a TEMS team.

~By Sergeant Rescue Training & Consulting

Staying abreast in turbulent times with Raffaele Di Giorgios' new ebook, "Legal Considerations for Tactical Medical Responders." Mentally armed is your best weapon.

~By Principle Intelligence, LLC