Macomb SWAT Team Adds Henry Ford Doctor to Ranks

Hollywood has taught us that in hostage situations, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are the first to spring into action, but while the SWAT team is ensuring everyone else's safety, who is keeping an eye on them?

In Macomb County, that is Dr. Christopher Wistrom, the chief resident of emergency medicine at Henry Ford Macomb and the newest member of the Macomb County SWAT team.

Wistrom, who has been training regularly with Macomb SWAT for about six months, is the first fully trained medical professional to join the team.

"About five years ago, we started a SWAT medic program," said Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "We brought in paramedics from the Medstar ambulance service and we trained them to understand the SWAT operation. We were able to expand on that and bring in a higher level of medical help and that being Dr. Wistrom from Henry Ford Macomb."

Wickersham said Wistrom's addition to the team has boosted the confidence level of all SWAT team members by giving them the assurance that should a dynamic or violent situation arise, Wistrom will be on hand to provide on-site medical attention.

"I think what the sheriff has done here really shows the value of community members and partners coming together to serve the community and ensure that we have a safe place that we can live," said Henry Ford Macomb Hospital CEO Barbara Rossman. "I don’t think (this work is) just for anyone. You have to be very passionate and driven and very proactive about wanting to be involved at this level."

In Rossman's opinion, Wistrom comprises all these traits.

An EMT and paramedic since the age of 16, Wistrom said he has worked closely with various levels of law enforcement all his life.

"I have a long background in EMS, had worked with law enforcement unofficially in the past and knew I would be a good candidate to help them out (on the SWAT team)," Wistrom said. 

Wistrom has worked with the team for more than a year and trained officially as a SWAT team member for about six months.

"I trained with these guys twice a month, eight to 10 hours a day, to get up to speed on everything they do," he said. "I don’t expect them to know everything that I do, because they’re not trained medical professionals, but I need to know what they do so I know what situations they may encounter and know what situations I may be involved with and know how to make a tactical entry to keep myself safe, my team safe and any victims who may be involved in the situation."

While Wistrom said he has not been faced with anything "too crazy yet," he and other members of the team always "prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

Wickersham said he does not plan to add any additional medical personnel to the team at the present time, but there is always the possibility for expansion in the program.