05/08/2026
In April, SCT Levins traveled to Florida to become certified as a USAR Medical Specialist taught by Disaster Medical Solutions. For the Cedar Rapids division, Levins is now our fifth ‘Med Spec’.
Medical Specialist are specifically trained to perform Advanced Life Support functions on a disaster scene, specifically structural collapse, confined space, high angle, and any other place where victims need ALS intervention.
Med Specs work close with our team doctor and local hospitals so that when deployed, they are able to travel across state lines with advanced drugs that are not normally part of our medical protocol. They are trained in advanced techniques such as field amputations should the need arise.
Their primary function, however, is overseeing the well being and treatment of team members, even the four-legged ones! They are taught basic K9 intervention and care.
(Some photos are from previous trainings, including using a cow femur to simulate/practice a field amputation)
