A certified first responder is someone who has completed the courses needed and received the proper certification and licensing to provide pre hospital care for those in a medical emergency. They have more skills than someone who is just trained in the basic first aid portion but they are not considered to be a substitute for advanced medical care that is provided by Emergency Medical Technicians or EMT’s.
The necessary training
- The first step to getting your first responder training is to receiving the necessary course training and education. This includes formal training which varies depending on the state you live and work in. During training you will be brought along as a volunteer to emergency situations to receive hands on training hours for your first responder training. In addition you will be required to pass an examination in order to become certified as a first responder.
First responder requirements
- In order to even start the training to become a first responder you will need to be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to begin first responder training. The training programs and requirements vary state to state and most training programs for first responder training can be completed within 3 to 10 weeks. Some schools even provide college credit for students that complete first responder training.
Training emphasis
- The first responder training program emphasizes on emergency skills. This is where you will learn to assess the patient status. Training programs will also teach you how to provide respiratory help and other emergency medical techniques using equipment like splints, oxygen systems, backboards, and stretchers.
Certification
- All states require there own eligibility requirements in order to become certified as a first responder. This usually involves passing their examination. To be eligible for this exam you must complete a state approved first responder training program and hold CPR credentials. When you are eligible to take the first responder exam you will be tested on many topics that range from oxygenation to cardiology techniques. To keep your credentials once certified you will complete 12 units every 2 years to stay updated with your training.
It’s important to remember that the first responder career path is exactly what their name states. They are the first to be on the scene of an emergency and must address the situation and determine what type of emergency medical techniques are necessary to help the patient until other medical care can get on the scene. If you are someone that enjoys helping others, especially in times of emergency, the first responder career may be just the one for you. As long as you follow along with the necessary steps needed to complete first responder training and take into account your states requirements you will be well on your way to helping those in need in no time at all.