Of all professions in society, none is more respected than our first responders. Over their careers, the average responder saves countless lives, in the process gaining the appreciation of the public. Above all, people choose this job to help their fellow citizens, and enhance their own medical knowledge along the way. Do you have what it takes to be a first responder?
Responsibilities of First Responders
First responders are not the same as EMTs. However, they’re still capable of much more than simple first aid. An emergency medical responder course Texas teaches you skills to stabilize patients at the scene, when doctors and paramedics aren’t around.
First responders routinely perform or assist with a wide range of tasks, all of which are covered in EMR training. At a minimum, you’ll learn how to check someone’s vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, etc.), clear their airways and stop uncontrolled bleeding. Furthermore, you’ll be taught how to properly perform simple life-saving procedures, including CPR, how to use a defibrillator, immobilize a limb and perform basic injections, such as for insulin or an EpiPen. You may even be tasked with extracting patients from car accidents or aiding in emergency childbirth. To complement your training, you must also know the most delicate methods for moving injured patients from the scene of their trauma.
First Responders in the Field
As a certified first responder, your skills will be valued in a large variety of clinical and nonclinical settings. On one hand, emergency responders may be attached to an ambulance crew as assistants to an EMT or paramedic. Other responders serve as support staff in hospital emergency rooms. All firefighters and most police personnel must also have medical response training.
On the other hand, first responders may work as lifeguards at community pools and beaches, security guards at businesses, ski instructors at resorts, flight attendants, wilderness guides and regular citizens who earned their certificates for work or personal reasons. Depending on their jobs or hobbies, responders may take specialized courses to reflect the dangers of a specific environment, such as sports, occupational or wilderness medicine, hazmat procedures, and special classes for scuba divers. Given the amount of training they’ve already received, many medical responders opt to extend their education and become full-fledged EMTs. Regardless of where you practice, your medical abilities will boost your résumé for any job you desire.
Being first on the scene at accidents and injuries is frequently stressful, but ultimately well worth the hardship. More than the money you’ll make, your greatest gift will be the gratitude of your community. Start earning your certification by taking classes in your area.
