EMS First Responder Program
What is a First Responder?
The First Responder program is designed to train individuals likely be the first on the scene of an automobile collision to assess the situation and provide urgent emergency medical care until EMS arrives.
The program serves a dual purpose of reducing response times, particularly in rural areas, while reducing the death rate due to highway accident trauma. The program may also reduce the magnitude of injury.
Who should be a First Responder?
It is a fact that proper and timely rendering of emergency medical care at the scene of an automobile crash can reduce the number of deaths and decrease the level of injuries. Areas that have an inadequate number of EMTs or that have long response times can supplement the EMS system by training personnel outside the system such as police officers, firemen, city and county maintenance workers and other governmental personnel who work on or near roadways. In addition, rescue squad members who are not currently EMTs but perform other duties for the squads, particularly driving the vehicle to the scene, are ideal candidates for First Responder training.
What training is required?
Training is offered and administered by DHEC's Office of EMS under a grant from South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Actual course instruction is provided by South Carolina's four EMS Regional Offices.
The comprehensive training program includes the revised Department of Transportation's 40-hour First Responder course, along with an additional 4-hour South Carolina EMS-imposed oxygen administration training course. This curriculum provides the student with vital training that will permit the rendering of lifesaving techniques at roadside until EMS arrives.
For more information about becoming a First Responder contact Alonzo W. Smith, Director of DHEC's Office of EMS, at (803) 545-4204.
The University of South Carolina also has a First Responder Program.