First Responder and EMT-B

[SgtScott31]

I am the EMS Coordinator for a DPS agency where approximately 40 officers are First Responders and 20-22 are EMTs. Our transport is done by the Metro FD/EMS service, but we do the same as most EMS services would do as far as patient care is concerned. From teaching the DOT First Responder curriculum (around 60-64 hours) and being an EMT-IV for going on 8 years, I feel that First Responder is plenty for law enforcement personnel. It is basic assessment and BLS (CPR, identify life threats, etc). Those officers that are First Responders hold their own until EMTs or EMT-Ps arrive on scene and start giving a little more advanced care (intubation if necessary, IV access, etc). At least in TN, there is quite a difference between the First Responder curriculum and the EMT-IV curriculum (400+ hours).

[med9044]

In Kentucky a first responder is an EMT. EMT-FR but the basic is the transport level. about the same training with a few differences

[GRatEMT]

IL- FR is a layperson who knows CPR/AED... EMT-B and EMT-P (and the remaining EMT-I's) are the only people who do any sort of transport/advanced medical techniques.

[That Volunteer EMT Guy]

In NY, the difference between CFR and EMT-B is quite significant, but CFRs are certainly useful. In my area they usually end up responding first to high priority calls because there are fire stations everywhere and many firefighters are CFRs and can get there first. Generally EMTs here just ignore them and focus on the patient, but they might have gotten some useful information prior to our arrival, and they're good for helping out with packaging and loading. Other than CPR, they can't really do a lot of interventions, however, and basically we're the ones who transport. But anyway, it really depends on the state.

[SgtScott31]

Originally Posted by GRatEMT

IL- FR is a layperson who knows CPR/AED... EMT-B and EMT-P (and the remaining EMT-I's) are the only people who do any sort of transport/advanced medical techniques.

First Responder under NREMT (DOT) is a recognized level of medical care (aside from EMT, EMT-I, and Paramedic). Don't get this confused with those who "first respond" that only know First Aid/CPR. Licensed First Responders in TN can administer glucose, oxygen, and as of last year, intubate with Combitubes. They have to go through a 60-hr course, take the computer based National Registry exam, and be licensed through their respective state. I believe the title may be getting changed soon to EMR (Emergency Medical Responder). There are quite a few paid (and volly) fire departments that make it mandatory for their FFs to go through the First Responder course to stay employed.

[RescueYou]

Originally Posted by haneyk

I was wondering what the difference was for the first responder and the EMT-B besides one has 40 hours and the other has 120 hours of training.

What are the details of what a first responder can do compared to an EMT-B?

The material you learn, how in depth you go into it, the number of labs...also, some states have different age requirements for FRs and EMT-Bs.

[rcar23]

In MI, all fire departments that run medical calls have to have medical first responders (at least) to run those calls. There is only a slight difference between MFR and EMT-B, but the difference is becoming less. I was an MFR for three years and I recently got my EMT-B, and both levels required me to take the national registry. EMT really hit hard on pt assessment and more detailed pt care, whereas MFR one needed to have a general idea of what was going on with the pt, but only treat the symptoms and apply O2. I am thankful for my experience as an MFR because it did help me with my EMT.