When retired U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Hartswick stands before a room of new recruits at the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute, his message is not one of personal glory, but of survival, resilience, and the power of preparation. As a tactical medical trainer for the Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Training Program, Hartswick shares his harrowing story of injury and recovery to emphasize a critical point: the correct use of a tourniquet can mean the difference between life and death. His experience provides a powerful, real-life demonstration of lifesaving techniques that law enforcement officers may one day need to use in the field.

Hartswick’s story began on May 14, 2013, while he was serving as a senior combat medic in Afghanistan. That day, he was aiding fellow soldiers who had been injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the process of rescuing them, another IED detonated nearby, instantly severing both of his legs and injuring his hand. Despite the chaos and immense pain, Hartswick relied on his training. He attempted to apply a tourniquet to himself, managing to do so even with the loss of a finger. When another soldier reached him, Hartswick instructed him with the same words he now uses in his training sessions: “Tourniquets, high and tight.”

I found this detail striking—how a moment of extreme trauma was met with clarity and instruction, rooted in years of training. It speaks volumes about the importance of tactical medical preparedness, especially for those in high-risk professions like military service and law enforcement.

According to Hartswick, the most preventable cause of death in tactical environments such as bombings or mass shootings is massive extremity bleeding. The key to preventing those deaths is the proper use of a tourniquet. His survival stands as a testament to the effectiveness of this technique when applied correctly and swiftly. After being stabilized and evacuated by helicopter, Hartswick underwent numerous surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Today, he uses a wheelchair and prosthetics, and he continues to serve—this time, as an educator and advocate for tactical medical training.

In his role at the Justice and Safety Institute, a Penn State Outreach program, Hartswick works closely with newly hired sheriffs and deputy sheriffs. He shows them footage from the day of the explosion—not to relive his trauma, but to drive home the reality of what they might face and how vital their training can be. “It is rare for there to be footage and a survivor of the situation,” he said. “I am not here to toot my own horn, I am here to show that I am alive because of good training and the love of my brothers.”

Academy Director David White emphasized the impact of Hartswick’s instruction. “Adam’s story is invaluable to the instruction of the deputies as it relates to tourniquet application,” White said. “It is not only a visual representation of how tourniquets can save your life, but it is a powerful message of resilience.”

That message of resilience is central to Hartswick’s teaching. He believes that those who choose to serve as protectors—whether in the military or law enforcement—must possess a resilience that goes beyond the ordinary. “The video also shows the resilience you need to have to be in this profession as a protector,” he said, “because as a protector, or as a guardian of people, you must be more resilient than the average person.”

Hartswick’s personal journey from combat medic to tactical medical trainer is deeply rooted in his belief in service. After returning to his hometown of State College and being medically discharged from the Army, he found a new way to help others. Teaching tourniquet application and emergency medical response allows him to continue fulfilling the mission that first led him to military service. “As a medic, I could serve my country and help people. That is what a medic does, they help ally and enemy alike,” he said. “At the end of a fight, if there are survivors, we help them.”

His work also reflects a broader philosophy of compassion and dedication to community. “Everything we do in our profession is out of love for our fellow man,” Hartswick said. “Nobody is here because they want to fight. Nobody is here because they want to carry a gun. They are here because they want to protect people.” This sentiment resonates strongly with the law enforcement trainees he mentors, many of whom are preparing to enter a field that demands both courage and compassion.

In addition to his work with the Justice and Safety Institute, Hartswick is building a career as a voice actor and lives in the area with his wife. His continued involvement in tactical medical training serves as a bridge between his past experiences and his ongoing commitment to public service. By sharing his story and teaching the skills that saved his life, he empowers a new generation of first responders to act decisively and effectively in moments of crisis.

Hartswick’s journey underscores the importance of tactical first aid training, resilience in the face of adversity, and the enduring value of service. His experiences bring a human face to the principles taught in the classroom, reminding trainees that preparation and compassion are not just abstract ideals—they are tools that save lives.

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