Who Is the First Responder?

Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are often the first medically trained personnel at the scene of an emergency. Their main job is to assess situations, provide immediate care, and prepare patients for transport.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure Scene Safety: EMRs must make sure the environment is safe for themselves, the patient, and bystanders.
• Initial Assessment: Quickly evaluate the patient's condition to identify life-threatening issues.
• Basic Interventions: Provide care such as CPR, bleeding control, and splinting.
• Communication: Relay critical information to incoming EMS teams.
• Documentation: Accurately record all findings and treatments.

Ethics and Professionalism

EMRs must act ethically, respect patient privacy, and maintain a calm, reassuring presence.

Real-World Application

In a multi-car accident, an EMR might need to direct traffic, check for hazards like leaking fuel, and perform triage on multiple patients until ambulances arrive.