Basic Emergency Care

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. This credential documents the essential competencies involved in managing emergency trauma including understanding the physics related to various types of accidents leading to trauma, understanding the special considerations needed for trauma care as a first responder, understanding the characteristics associated with various types of traumatic injuries, assessing a victim with various traumatic injuries and multisystem injuries, and handing a variety of patient types.