First Responder

What is a first responder?
First Responder is the most basic level of EMT certification that was started in 1979 as an extension to the Crash Injury Management. Often, a First Responder will be trained and certified to provide pre-hospital medical care. First Responders provide support to EMTs and Paramedics by providing first aid to tissue and bone injuries and helping with childbirth. They are also trained in preparing patients for transportation. Becoming certified as a First Responder is probably the fastest route to gaining EMT experience. You will be slightly more trained than someone who is trained in first aid but you will be significantly less trained than an EMT-Basic or higher.

First Responder Certification

First ResponderFirst Responder certification will last you 3 years. Becoming a First Responder requires 40-45 hours of training and passing a practical test and written test. Along with the exams, you will be trained in CPR, control of bleeding, caring for fractures, childbirth, and other basic techniques.

Other things that First Responders are trained in are skills such as:

  • Recognizing unsafe scenarios and hazardous materials emergencies
  • Protection from blood borne pathogens
  • Conducting a primary life-saving patient assessment
  • In-line spinal stabilization and transport
  • Calling for more advanced medical help.
  • Emergency oxygen supply

There are also more advanced skills that you can train in to supplement your first aid abilities such as:

  • Use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Advanced splinting
  • Taking vital signs such as blood pressure

As a First Responder, you are considered an emergency medical worker which require that you not only able to perform medical tasks but also technical tasks such as cutting open a vehicle during a rescue. All rescue workers (First responders, EMT, Paramedics, Firefighters, Security Guards, etc) are required to be trained and prepared for these events.