NSW Police Armed Response Command (ARC) officers are being equipped with more than advanced tactical skills as they undergo specialist medical training designed to help save lives in the critical moments following a major incident.
ARC is a new specialist NSW Police Force Command established to provide a permanent, highly visible and intelligence-led capability to rapidly respond to terrorism, armed threats, high-risk incidents and emerging threats to public safety. It was announced as a permanent capability following the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025.
ARC officers are undertaking advanced Tactical Medical First Responder training delivered by specialist NSW Ambulance instructors. This ensures ARC officers are equipped to provide immediate care to seriously injured people in complex and potentially dangerous environments.
The training recognises that during a major emergency ARC officers will likely be among the first emergency responders to reach critically injured victims.
In addition to rapid-response policing duties, ARC officers are being trained to quickly assess casualties, control life-threatening bleeding and provide immediate trauma care while continuing to operate within a dynamic and fluid threat environment.
The training strengthens interoperability between NSW Police Force and NSW Ambulance, allowing officers and paramedics to better understand how each agency operates when responding together to active shooting and mass-casualty incidents.
NSW Police Force and NSW Ambulance regularly conduct multi-agency exercises to test emergency response arrangements and the treatment of multiple casualties in challenging environments.
ARC officers are undergoing tactical medical training, advanced driver training and general rifle courses ahead of the unit commencing operations on November 1, 2026.
The Armed Response Command will become a permanent, 24-hour rapid-response capability for NSW, supported by a dedicated Police Operations Centre and intelligence-led deployments. Once fully operational, it will comprise of 250 police officers and 28 civilian staff.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans, Commander of Armed Response Command said:
“The Armed Response Command is being built to protect the community. Working alongside NSW Ambulance trainers, we’re developing a capability that is as much about saving lives as it is confronting danger.”
“In the aftermath of a serious attack, the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Our officers may be the first on scene and they need the skills and equipment to provide lifesaving treatment.”
“Stopping the threat is only part of the job, being able to save lives is just as important.”
NSW Ambulance Director of Aeromedical and Special Operations, Assistant Commissioner Cameron Edgar said:
“This training equips ARC officers with important skills that can help them to save a life.”
“In some situations, police officers may be the first people able to reach an injured patient, and this training will provide them with specific skills to support patients and paramedics in mass-casualty events.”
“The collaboration strengthens the working relationship between NSW Ambulance and NSW Police, ensuring both agencies are prepared to respond together effectively during major incidents.”
