First Responder

[akroeze]

Speaking both flippantly, and off the top of my head, EMT-Bs transport patients, FRs don't.

Yes but I'm asking what the practical difference is other than that. Is an EMT-B just a FR who can drive the patient somewhere?

[spenac]

Speaking both flippantly, and off the top of my head, EMT-Bs transport patients, FRs don't.

Actually not entirely correct. In Texas FR's are known as ECA's and they can transport. In fact the minimum required staffing for a BLS ambulance is 2 ECA's. Scary aint it.

[Kiwiology]

While as a whole I am thoroughly dissapointed with it, this is what the new national EMS scope of practice document says ...

The primary focus of the Emergency Medical Responder is to initiate immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS response and to assist higher level personnel at the scene and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with minimal equipment.

• Airway and Breathing

o Insertion of airway adjuncts intended to go into the oropharynx

o Use of positive pressure ventilation devices such as the bag-valve-mask

o Suction of the upper airway

o Supplemental oxygen therapy

• Pharmacological interventions

o Use of unit dose auto-injectors for the administration of life saving medicationsintended for self or peer rescue in hazardous materials situations

• Medical/Cardiac Care

o Use of an automated external defibrillator

• Trauma Care

o Manual stabilization of suspected cervical spine injuries

o Manual stabilization of extremity fractures

o Bleeding control

o Emergency moves

Traditionally they have been police officers, scout leaders, park rangers, security guards etc or volunteers out in the boon-docks.

[Chief1C]

It's frightening how much FR's can do in PA. In fact it's amazing close to the EMT program. When I became an EMT, FR's still weren't allowed to give oxygen or immobilize a patient. They were just there for first aid and CPR.

Edited July 28, 2009 by 4c6

[wrmedic82]

Correct me if I am wrong. When I was down in FL I was told that first responder was a prerequisite to EMT-B. I know that is not true in TX where I got my certification. But definitely get your EMT-B.

[fireflymedic]

Here with the exception of meds (ie glucose, asprin, etc) there is very very little difference in the first responder course and emt basic. Don't waste your time with a piddly FR course - go ahead and do an accelerated emt b course especially for what you are doing. We're not talking rocket science here. It's basic common sense (of course I know many are lacking in that and therefore cannot pass the class *sigh*). Have to admit, I like the proper name for bodyguard...

Best luck to you. I can't help you as of FL specifics other than to say contact the state board as alot of times they will maintain a list of educational facilities that you can call and ask for assistance. In my area, the first responder is basically been phased out to the level of basic even within PD and FD. Any paid FD requires you to be a minimum of a basic in order to work there (ie to do their own rehab state wouldn't allow just a FR to do so they were required to have a buggy at each scene which was a pain). Even within most of the volunteer depts they are upgrading. Also we'll be adopting the new classifications shortly and I think that pretty much makes a first responder useless.

Best wishes to you and stay safe.

[spenac]

Yes but I'm asking what the practical difference is other than that. Is an EMT-B just a FR who can drive the patient somewhere?

In Texas it depends on each medical director. In many services the FR (ECA) operates under the basic protocols. So no difference.

[Richard B the EMT]

I should have qualified my answer to indicate, "as under my local protocols."

[StudEMT]

JUST TAKE THE EMT COURSE IN THE LONG RUN YOULL BE HAPPY YOU TOOK IT YOULL NEVER KNOW WHEN IT CAN SAVE YOU TIME

Hello all did some searching and could not find the information I was looking for.

I am a Executive Protection Specialist (glorified name for Bodyguard). I need to take a First Responder course (more intensive than ARC first aid/cpr but less intensive than EMT Basic)

I am in Ft Myers Florida and could not find anything in this area. Anyone in Florida ever taken such a course and if so can you please point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance

TC

[akroeze]

JUST TAKE THE EMT COURSE IN THE LONG RUN YOULL BE HAPPY YOU TOOK IT YOULL NEVER KNOW WHEN IT CAN SAVE YOU TIME

WHY ARE YOU YELLING?