Patient Access and Extraction Procedures

A first responder is anyone who providers emergency care during an emergency before more skilled medical or emergency personnel arrive to the scene. They include firefighters and law enforcement personnel, forest service and park service ranger, and others who work in jobs in which they may encounter an emergency. First responders know more than basic first aid but do not have the advanced training of a trained and certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic. EMTs must complete a postsecondary educational program as required by each state and typically complete an extensive hands-on externship. They must also be licensed according to state legislation. Firefighters must adhere to the requirements according to the specific jurisdiction and may or may not be trained as an EMT. Paramedics have advanced training and are also licensed by each state. Other professionals have varying degrees of training beyond first aid. Each state has its own limitations for first-responders. Specifically, this badge demonstrates the earner's ability to explain procedures for patient access and extrication including interpretation of dispatch information, sizing up a scene to anticipate problems and needs, actions that can be used to gain access to and extricate patients in different situations, methods of stabilizing a vehicle in different situations, and procedures for caring for a patient entrapped in a vehicle or similar situation.