Whenever there's a major accident or natural disaster, often the first people on the scene are the first responders. These specially trained individuals have the skills and knowledge to deal with the immediate results of a disaster before any other rescue group reaches the area. The have taken additional classes beyond basic first aid, but they aren't as trained as emergency medical technicians, nurses, paramedics, or other emergency physicians. However, many firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other medical professionals are certified first responders.
First responders have to be certified before they can be deployed to emergencies. Their certification courses include learning CPR, how to make emergency splints and immobilize broken and fractured bones, and how to stop bleeding. They are also trained on using equipment such as automated external defibrillators. Some first responders even take courses in how to handle emergency childbirth situations. It is important to note that there is a difference between the term first responder, which can mean any professional who is the first to arrive at a disaster, and a certified first responder, which is someone who has gone through the certification process. In addition to providing emergency support when they arrive at the scene, first responders can also assist paramedics and EMTs at the scene. However, they do have limitations.
There are a number of other people who often become certified first responders. Many are in fields similar to police officers, such as security guards, bodyguards, and lifeguards. People who work with the public, such as teachers and airport ground personnel, also train. If you are a first responder who happens to love riding a motorcycle, you might want to slap one of these First Responder Patches in "rocker" style on your jacket. It will show everyone that you are a trained responder.
