First responders put to test in tactical medical challenge in Lake County

6 teams compete in extreme challenges

First responders are put to the test every day, as they respond to calls each and every day. Their ability to think fast and respond just as quickly is something their job demands minute by minute.

News 6 was invited to the tactical medical challenge event hosted by the Lake County Sheriff's Office as they put six Florida SWAT and first responder teams to the test for two days.

The calls were extreme during a fast-paced training competition that had hypothetical consequences. Timing in these cases is everything.

News 6 spoke Lt. Christopher Handstein is part of the Central Florida Metro Swat Unit, a five-agency, 40-member team from Winter Garden-Ocoee, Apopka-Winter Park and Maitland.

Handstein said the challenges they face here test their skills and decision-making abilities like nothing that they have done before.

"It's the unknown. You don't know the person, why they're injured and what you have to do and take your medics in there," Handstein said.

In the end, the Central Florida unit won the competition, and while the situations they encountered were just hypothetical, it's reassuring to know that if needed, those first responders will be ready to roll.


About the Author:

News 6’s Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reporter Mike Holfeld has made Central Florida history with major investigations that have led to new policies, legislative proposals and even -- state and national laws. If you have an issue or story idea, call Mike's office at 407-521-1322.