For those who are not just ready to take the plunge and enroll in an EMT training program, a viable option is to enroll in first responder training. There are a number of reasons first responder training programs were first enacated in the United States. Firslty, the Red Cross only provided 8 hours of training, while an average EMT-B training course provided over 160 hours of training. Ultimately, it was decided that there was too big of a difference. Secondly, the government determined that smaller communities did not have the budget for everyone to enroll in a full-fledged EMT training course. As a result, first responder training was first offered in the 1990’s, and the program generally took anywhere from 30 to 60 hours to be completed. Once completed, individuals would be recognized as certified first responders.
Individuals who enroll in a first responder training program and complete it become official first responders. A first responder is not an EMT or a Paramedic, but they are permitted to aid EMTs and Paramedics in various ways. For example, first responders are allowed to assist in a childbirth, and are also allowed to provide first aid for minor injuries. Additionally, first responders are permitted to transport patients to a local hospital or healthcare facility. First responders are trained in areas such as CPR and first aid, how to apply a splint, control bleeding, contact emergency services, and how to save patients in critical condition. These are just some of the skills that first responder training will teach individuals. Courses will also teach students how to monitor vital signs, perform advanced splinting, and also how to use automatic external defibrillators.
First Responder Training Curriculum
Everything that is taught in certified first responder training is taught in EMT or Paramedic programs. Everyone who works in the emergency services field has been taught the same skills students learn in first responder training. In this type of program though, students are simply learning the basics, and do not go in depth as they would if they were enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic training program. As the name of the position implies (First Responder), the purpose is to prepare individuals in case they are ever the first at the scene of an emergency. Those who enroll in first responder programs usually work in either an area where emergency services are not very close, and in the case of emergency, they will likely be the first on the scene. People in the following occupations have generally enrolled in and completed a certified first responder training program:
- Bus Drivers
- Childcare
- Coaches
- Pilots/Flight Attendants
- Security Guards
- Teachers
- Travel Guides
- Trainers
If you feel that you work in a field where at some time you may be the first at the scene of an emergency, enrolling in a first responder training program is a good idea. The courses, as mentioned previously, are quite short, yet can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in saving lives in the most critical moments.
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