The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast Sal Cortez
Jan 19, 2026
Sal Cortez, a veteran paramedic and law enforcement officer with 40+ years including flight medic and executive protection work. He recounts responding to major active shooter incidents, building tactical medical programs, and evolving training at the International School of Tactical Medicine. Conversations cover realistic scenario training, integrating medicine with shooting drills, Rescue Task Force challenges, and modernizing tactical med courses.
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Early Shootings Shaped Tactical Medicine
- Sal links the Cleveland incident to the creation of CHP's tactical medicine efforts decades later.
- He highlights that early events exposed gaps in staging, triage, and officer medical response.
Second Active Shooter: Lindhurst High
- Sal describes a second active shooter incident at Lindhurst High School in 1992 where victims were held hostage.
- He notes the prolonged standby, negotiation, and circus-like scene management before the suspect surrendered.
Use Scenario Training, Not Long Lectures
- Train civilians with scenario-based, stress-inoculation exercises instead of long lectures.
- Use realistic drills so people learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable and act under pressure.