First Responder vs. first responding

I don't know whose crazy idea it was to come up with a new title for the former Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) but to replace it a few years ago with the accredidation of First Responder is a terribly confusing mess to those not in the educational and certification arena.

When a medically trained EMS member (Police, Firefighter or EMS) responds and arrives on a emergency scene first, it is called "first responding" (as a verb) meaning they are the "first on scene" or the first medically trained individual to arrive on the emergency scene. Their job is to identify, assess and report back, then stabilize the situation as best they can until more help arrives. Any of the above mentioned people can be a first responder on the scene. You can be a firefighter, a paramedic, an EMT-Intermediate, a police officer, etc.

This is easily confused by the name of the certification level of FIRST RESPONDER/Emergency Care Attendant (FR/eca) commonly referred to as a "freeca" or sometimes the eca is dropped and they are just referred to as a first responder (a noun). This level of training is a nationally certified emergency caregiver that is certified in more than CPR but not has much as an EMT. The primary differences are that the FR/eca does not work with as much equipment and are not certified to administer or assist with medications. They are fully certified attendants in the back of the ambulance, they are part of a crew, just as the EMT's.

They must be certified in CPR for Health Care providers. A FR/eca can attend the accredited course and be certified at the age of 16. This allows younger members to come in and learn the basic skills before becoming an EMT. An Emergency Medical Technician must be 18 years old to be certified. The only detail that needs to be considered is a "legal crew" according to the State of Vermont Department of Emergency Medical Services is comprised of two certified members of age 18 or great on the crew. (Ex: An EMT-B who is over 18 can not be partnered with only a 17 year old FR/eca in the ambulance. An EMT-B or EMT - I'o3 who is over 18 can be partnered with a 19 year old FR/eca, or an 53 y/o Fr/eca.)

The level of advancement for EMS in VT is as follows: First Reponder/Emergency Care Attendant, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, (EMT-I), EMT- I'03, EMT-Paramedic.
(The difference betweeen Intermediate and I'03 is more pharmaceuticals and responsibilities).
The curriculum was adopted in 2003, hence the EMT-I'03 certification.

Each has a course program with more hours in each level, practical skill development, decision making and responsibility and oversight of others.

I hope this has helped you understand the difference, as so many people seem to think a first responder (who holds a national certification) does not go in the ambulance, does not take shifts for as part of the medical team or is not part of a crew. They are. AND on that note, there are some FR/eca members out there that I would rather have as a partner than a new EMT-Paramedic fresh out of school!

If you have any questions or would like more information. Let me know and I'd be glad to give you what you need.