The goal of the new Texas Tech Health El Paso tactical medicine team is to expand specialized pre-hospital care by working with local, state and federal law enforcement teams during hostile or dangerous situations.

The tactical medicine team is composed of emergency medicine specialists who conduct regular tactical-situation training with local and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Tactical Medicine team includes:

Russell Baker, D.O.
Associate Professor, Director of Emergency Medical Services

• Program Director, Tactical Medicine Fellowship
• Board certified in emergency medicine and EMS.
• Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
• Current medical director for:
  • El Paso Fire Department
  • El Paso Police Department
  • S. Border Patrol (El Paso and Big Bend sectors)
  • Blue Origin Launch Site One Emergency Response Team
  • Emergency Medical Task Force-9 Texas

 

Patrick Popieluszko, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Associate Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services

• Associate Program Director, Tactical Medicine Fellowship
• Board certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS
• ATLS, ACLS, WLS:MP Instructor
• Prior flight physician with Life Force Air Medical Services
• Current Medical Director:
  • Guadalupe Mountain National Park
  • Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Fire Department
  • Dell Valley EMS
  • City of Presidio EMS

 

Stephen Schwartfeger, M.D.
Instructor, Fellowship Associate Program Director

• Tactical Medicine Team Lead, Department of Emergency Medicine
• Fellowship- Tactical Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, Department of Emergency Medicine graduate 2024
• POC for Tactical Medicine Agencies

 

Nathan Waterhouse, M.D.
Instructor, Fellowship Associate Program Director

• Tactical Medicine Team
• Co-Supervisor Tactical Medicine Fellowship
• Fellowship- Tactical Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, Department of Emergency Medicine graduate 2025

 

Marissa Flores-Kamenski
Medical Administrative Secretary - Department of Emergency Medicine and Tactical Medicine Fellowship Coordinator.