Dr. Richard Carmona is recognized as the founder of Tactical Emergency Medicine for law enforcement in the United States. After presenting the TEMS concept to NTOA founder John Kolman in the mid-1980s, Dr. Carmona devoted his life to expanding TEMS and has trained thousands of law enforcement and EMS personnel. He is one of the most prolific authors of TEMS material in the history of the profession. 

After serving in the United States Army Special Forces and becoming a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, Rich embarked on his medical career. After earning his undergraduate degrees, Rich graduated from the University of California San Francisco Medical School as the top graduate. He held various positions in the medical field, including paramedic, registered nurse, and physician. 

Subsequently, the Tucson Medical Center and the University of Arizona recruited him to establish and lead Southern Arizona’s first regional trauma care system. He later became the chairman of the State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System and a professor of surgery, public health, and family and community medicine at the University of Arizona. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

In 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Dr. Carmona to become the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, and he received a unanimous Senate confirmation. When he received the call from White House staff indicating interest in discussing his potential nomination, Rich was doing what he loved most: training with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, where he served for over 34 years. He was a fully qualified peace officer, SWAT Team operator, team leader, and department surgeon.

He received the National Top Cop Award in 2000 and has also been honored with the National SWAT Officer of the Year Award. He served as the NTOA TEMS Section Chair for over a decade and is the TEMS Section Chair Emeritus. His vision shaped the current standards of tactical medicine and contributed to the NTOA's reputation as a leader in training, education, and standardization within the TEMS profession.