Life as a First Responder...what's it like?

namebadge11

namebadge11

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So today I had my first First Responder class, and I got to thinking that I might just volunteer as a FR with my local MedAct station while I work on earning a bachelor's degree. Once I got the BFA, I'd probably go on to EMT-B or further...but for now I want to finish school while still staying in the EMS field.

I just was wondering if anybody has had any experience volunteering as a First Responder. I know it's like...the entry-level thing, but they keep telling us that FR's are very important. Is this true? Or would it be a better idea to just go ahead and take an EMT-B class this fall and THEN volunteer on weekends while I go to school? Any insight would really help...
 
i never was a FR but they are good people. i would go to the EMT-B training since it cost less than a grand and only takes 150 hours to complete...plus it is a lot more fun.
 
namebadge11 said:
So today I had my first First Responder class, and I got to thinking that I might just volunteer as a FR with my local MedAct station while I work on earning a bachelor's degree. Once I got the BFA, I'd probably go on to EMT-B or further...but for now I want to finish school while still staying in the EMS field.

I just was wondering if anybody has had any experience volunteering as a First Responder. I know it's like...the entry-level thing, but they keep telling us that FR's are very important. Is this true? Or would it be a better idea to just go ahead and take an EMT-B class this fall and THEN volunteer on weekends while I go to school? Any insight would really help...
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I am a first responder...lol name gives it away=D But any way when you start out you mught be the gopher, go for this go for that, to really be able to do anything you need to ask until your crew knows you can handle most of the stuff EMT-B's do. So I would say pass the class and take EMT-B and if you want to move on then do it!
 
HEY LOOK I FOUND MY POST!
HEY LOOK I EDITED YOUR HUGE SIGNATURE (-MMiz)
But how will I ever find my post now.
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::SEARCH:::rolleyes:^_^:)<_<:PB);):ph34r::blush:
 
There are very few FR left in my state. The time and effort to become one is almost the same as EMT-B so most departments choose to get more bang for their training buck.
 
We have several MFR's who work in our company. They can perform the same patient assessment and care as me. I just typically end up riding the trip when it comes time to transport.

Regardless, as a first responder you will have the training and experience to help a lot of people. Don't be afraid to jump in and do what you need to do.

For instance, we were dispatched to a cardiac arrest at one of the SNF's in our response area. We were the first arriving unit (BLS). My partner (who was a MFR) immediately began CPR while I established a patent airway using the combitube. Shortly after he attached the AED and delivered a life saving shock to the patient. After our paramedic unit arrived (somewhere around 3-4 minutes after we did), they attached the cardiac monitor and verified that the patient had returned to a NSR. Four days later we transported that same patient (being the BLS crew we do a lot of non-emergent transports) back to the SNF.

My point? My partner, who is not yet an EMT-B, saved that persons life - not me. You don't have to be an EMT to make a difference.
 
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Yes but if you have the time for a 150 hour class why not take it?Like said though i don't know too much about FR's.
 
I operate as a FR in our system, which is a volly FD with FR built in. We currently have 14 FRs, about half of which are pretty active. Our county is split evenly between volly basic transports and FRs with ALS response.

I know there is continued debate here and elsewhere, but I do know FRs make a difference. Unfortunately, our ALS (or BLS) transport response is an average 20 mins away, so we do get "up close" with our calls and patients.

I became an EMT after having FR training and experience for 6 years. Keep in mind we are only the basic of care (O2, CPR, vitals, etc.) until our transport arrives.

Volly FR is a good chance to get patient contacts. You certainly will be of service to most patients. EMT is great, especially if your transport services can use you to their advantage as well.

As for your Q, you will get some good repetition of skills and knowledge by both classes. FR class is good so you understand the limits of your local scope of practice as a FR. It's great to have higher training, however many find it difficult to hold themselves back when they know they could do more. Just the same, a smart learner can and will become a very effective FR by being a good EMT, and vice versa. Remember, at the basic levels (I'm sure it is for most levels, but the basics is all I know) repeated contacts and use of skills will get you the furthest, I feel.

Good Luck
 
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