D13

OVERVIEW

Overview

D13 is a specialist medical training programme for firearms police officers, designed to deliver advanced first aid and trauma care skills in pre-hospital settings. The course equips officers with the ability to manage life-threatening injuries, severe trauma, and acute medical emergencies that may occur during firearms operations—whether sustained by colleagues, members of the public, or suspects.

Unlike classroom-based instruction, D13 is built on the principle that training must reflect reality. Firearms operations take place in unpredictable, high-stress, and often hostile environments where seconds matter. By exposing officers to realistic, scenario-driven simulations under pressure, the course ensures they develop not only the technical skills but also the decision-making capability and resilience to deliver care in environments that mirror the challenges they face in the field.

Training Approach

Based on proven RTACC methodology with a strong focus on operational relevance.
Immersive, scenario-based exercises designed to replicate the pressures of real firearms incidents.
Multi-sensory simulation incorporating environmental stressors such as noise, low light, confined spaces, and high-adrenaline decision-making.
Builds muscle memory, confidence, and decision-making resilience, ensuring officers can act instinctively under pressure.

Core Skills Developed

Rapid casualty assessment in dynamic situations.
Immediate haemorrhage control and catastrophic bleed management.
Airway management and respiratory support.
Stabilisation of critical injuries in the field.
Provision of effective pain relief until higher-level medical support arrives.
Seamless working alongside paramedics and tactical medics to improve survival outcomes.

Alignment with National Standards

D13 is fully aligned with recognised national police training standards:

National Police Firearms Training Curriculum (NPFTC) – D13 provides the medical skills and interventions required for firearms officers to meet NPFTC expectations, embedding medical competence alongside tactical capability.
College of Policing First Aid Learning Programme (FALP) – The course incorporates and exceeds FALP standards, ensuring firearms officers maintain nationally recognised levels of first aid training, while extending their competence into the advanced trauma and tactical sphere.
Interoperability – By aligning to both NPFTC and FALP, D13 ensures skills are standardised across UK forces, supporting consistency and interoperability during multi-force operations.

Duration & Progression

Year 0 – 4-day Initial Course
Year 1 – 2-day Refresher (within the training year)
Year 2 – 2-day Refresher (within the training year)
Year 3 – 4-day Requalification (before the 3rd anniversary of their IFC or previous requal)